TUPELO – En fotos, algunos momentos de la Misa del Día Mundial del Matrimonio el pasado 11 de febrero en St. James de Tupelo con el Obispo Joseph Kopacz. entre los matrimonios que celebraron sus votos se encontraban varios matrimonios de inmaculado Corazón de María Houston: Azucena y Erick Carrasco, Servando y Laura Murillo, Jose y Rocio Espericueta, Arturo y Sonia Torres, Martin y Fabiola Bedolla, Jose Luis y Maricruz Rojas, Victor y Marina Rodriguez, Jorge y Ana Gonzalez , Erick y Azucena Zarate y Jose y Rocio Espericueta. (Fotos de Danna Johnson, LEM y Debbie Tubertini)
Miércoles de Ceniza
JACKSON – Como cada año, al comenzar la Cuaresma, católicos reciben la señal de la cruz, después de Misa de Miércoles de Ceniza, coincidiendo esta vez con el Día de San Valentín. (arriba) El obispo Joseph Kopacz en la Catedral de San Pedro, el 14 de febrero dibuja la cruz en la frente de cada feligres asistente a la Misa. (Foto de Tereza Ma)
Mardi Gras – Martes de Festival – Martes Gordo
BRANDON– La parroquia de St Jude Pearl participó en un desfile local de Brandon por las festividades de Mardi Gras – Martes de Festival o Martes Gordo – donde se come y se bebe cada año antes de Miercoles de Ceniza. (izq.) En las tres fotos se ven algunos de los jóvenes que acompañaron al obispo Joseph Kopacz y al Padre César Sánchez en la carroza de este año, el martes 13 de febrero. (Fotos de Tereza Ma)
Mardi Grass en Cancillería
JACKSON – Los trabajadores de la oficina diocesana, celebraron el Mardi Gras, el martes 13 antes del Miercoles de Ceniza. En fotos, algunos de los detalles que identifican a esta celebración festiva de los católicos a nivel mundial. (Fotos de Tereza Ma y Berta Mexidor)
JACKSON – Last Saturday, Jan. 27, was a cloudy damp day in the Mississippi Delta, but the joy and the warmth flowing from the pews filled with the faithful and friends of Our Mother of Mercy Mission in Anguilla dispelled any thoughts of the atmospheric conditions outside. The church was marking the 100th anniversary of the first Masses celebrated in people’s homes.
Anguilla is situated on Highway 61 in Sharkey County. In the early 1900s, Father Andrew Gmelch would come from Merigold. Father Gmelch served the Austrian Catholic farmers in that town, but the continual flooding challenges caused this small contingent of Catholic farmers to move away. Around 1912 Anguilla became a mission of Cleveland and Belzoni All Saints became a mission of Greenwood where Msgr. John Clerico, known as the pastor of the Delta, based himself.
ANGUILLA – Our Mother of Mercy Church was filled with joy and warmth during a celebration on Saturday, Jan. 17, marking the 100th anniversary of the first Masses celebrated in people’s homes in the community. (Photos by Tereza Ma)
Msgr. Clerico roamed the entire Delta tending to the flock scattered across the Alluvial plain. In 1927, Anguilla became a mission of Greenwood and Msgr. Clerico made regular visits to celebrate Mass in homes of the faithful and share meals and conversations in Italian with those who shared his Italian heritage and birth.
With donations from its faithful and a nice grant from Catholic Extension, Anguilla bought a small piece of land in March 1929 and built Our Mother of Mercy Church. Bishop Richard Gerow dedicated the church on Aug. 6, 1929.
Belzoni and Anguilla became missions of Leland in 1944 when Msgr. Clerico’s Greenwood parish was divided. A few years later in 1953, Belzoni was elevated to a parish and Anguilla became its mission. Today, Anguilla is served by Father Panneer Arockiam Selvam from Yazoo City.
This is a brief history of Our Mother of Mercy and its journey taken from Cleta Ellington’s book Christ the Living Water written for the 150th anniversary of the diocese in 1987. These excerpts capture only a small glimpse of the closeness of this small Catholic community in the Delta.
To get an eyewitness account of the dedication day festivities, I looked up Bishop Gerow’s account of the day in his diary and below is his entry for Aug. 6, 1929.
“This morning at 9 o’clock, assisted by Father Clerico and in the presence of a large number of people, I dedicated the new Church of Our Lady of Mercy at Anguilla.
“The lot on which this church is situated was bought with funds raised by the people of Anguilla and thereabout. Extension Society gave the people $2,500 for the building of the church and $400 worth of equipment, vestments, etc. It is quite a nice little church and substantially built, and the people are very justly proud of it.
Linda Alford gets a hug from her former pastor, Father P.J. Curley at the anniversary celebration at Our Mother of Mercy on Saturday, Jan. 27.
“Joe Prestiano, a zealous and enthusiastic member of the congregation at Anguilla, was determined to make this a big day. He had, therefore, advertised it very extensively. Through his efforts the Knights of Columbus band came up from Vicksburg for the occasion. Father Clerico brought his Greenwood choir over and a great many friends from Vicksburg, Greenville, Greenwood and surrounding cities and towns were in Anguilla for the dedication; besides a great number of the faithful from the small towns who will attend Anguilla as their mission church.
“The dedication started at 9 o’clock. A procession formed at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Cook, headed by the Knights of Columbus band playing lively march music – the procession made up of the men of the congregation and a few altar boys, with Father Clerico, and the Bishop dressed in cope, miter and carrying his crozier – and marched to the front of the church.
“After the dedication Father Clerico sang the high Mass – the Greenwood choir did itself proud – and the bishop preached a sermon to the people; and after the church ceremonies a general picnic was held, the people remaining upon the grounds all day, the Knights of Columbus band supplying very good music for the occasion. It was a great day for the people of Anguilla.
“Although the congregation of Anguilla itself is very small, yet Anguilla is centrally situated and people from many other places, such as Rolling Fork, Hollandale, etc., come to church at this point.”
I was struck by how much of that same zeal and flavor was present this past Saturday in January.
Bishop Joseph Kopacz was the celebrant; Father P.J. Curley, former pastor, provided an inspiring homily only he could deliver; several former pastors were present; friends came from all over the region; and the reception after Mass in the parish hall (now occupying those original grounds) was adorned with fabulous food, fellowship and memories – a quintessential Delta brunch.
Even though there was no Knights of Columbus Band or big choir, those present filling the church to capacity offered beautiful hymns, prayers and responses of which they could be proud. I find I am as inspired by these celebrations in smaller communities as much as any Cathedral Mass. The love and joy that flows in and around the sacred mysteries is a powerful witness to the vibrancy of our faith in the diocese. Who knows what the landscape will be in another 100 years, but on a cloudy day in January 2024, Anguilla bore witness to that vibrant faith.
(Mary Woodward is Chancellor and Archivist for the Diocese of Jackson.)
PARISH, FAMILY & SCHOOL EVENTS BOONEVILLE – St. Francis, Bingo, Tuesday, Feb. 13 from 10 a.m. till 12 p.m. We play for fun, plus we help the food pantry. Bring your dollars! Details: church office (662) 728-7509.
GREENWOOD – Immaculate Heart of Mary, Mardi Gras Chili Fest, Tuesday, Feb. 13 from 5-7 p.m. at the parish center. Wear your purple, gold and green. Details: church office (662) 453-3980.
HERNANDO – Holy Spirit, Cocktails and Catholicism, Friday, March 8. Doors open at 6 p.m. with talk and cocktails after with Debbie Tubertini with the Office of Family Ministry for the diocese. She is speaking on marriage. Details: church office (662) 429-7851.
JACKSON – Bishop Chanche Awards, Saturday, March 2 at 11 a.m. at Cathedral of St. Peter. Honoring parishioners with outstanding service to the diocese.
JACKSON – Sister Thea Bowman School, Annual Draw Down, Saturday, April 27 at 6:30 p.m. Grand prize $5,000; tickets $100 (admits 2), second chance insurance $20. Details: school office (601) 352-5441.
MADISON – St. Franics, Fat Tuesday Pancake Supper, Tuesday, Feb. 13 from 5:15-7 p.m. Details: church office (601) 856-5556.
NATCHEZ – St. Mary Basilica, Mardi Gras Bingo Night, Tuesday, Feb. 13 at 6 p.m. in the Family Life Center. Bingo cards are $2 each; $1 soft drinks; $5 potato bar. Details: church office (601) 445-5616.
STARKVILLE – St. Joseph, Mardi Gras party, Tuesday, Feb. 13 at 6 p.m. in the parish hall. Enjoy jambalaya, salad, bread and King Cake! Donations to the food pantry welcome. Details: church office (662) 323-2257.
VICKSBURG – Vicksburg Catholic School, Drawdown on River, Sunday, Feb. 18 at 6 p.m. at the Levee Street Warehouse. Enjoy a silent auction, food, drinks and fellowship, in addition to the $20,000 drawdown. Tickets sell out every year – so purchase yours today. Details: https://one.bidpal.net/2024vcsdrawdown/welcome.
SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT GLUCKSTADT – St. Joseph, Ladies Lenten Retreat – a Reflection on Grace, Saturday, Feb. 17 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the parish hall. Mass will be at 11:30 am. Presenter is Fran Lavelle, Director of Faith Formation for the Diocese of Jackson. Sponsored by the KC Ladies Auxiliary, lunch will be provided and there is no charge. Details: church office (601) 856-2054.
HERNANDO – Holy Spirit, Lenten study of “Beautiful Eucharist” by Matthew Kelly facilitated by Sara Rauch. Deepen your relationship Jesus and experience His Real Presence in the Holy Eucharist. Thursdays from Feb. 15 through March 21 from 10-11 a.m. in the room beside chapel. Details: church office (662) 342-1073.
JACKSON – Cathedral of St. Peter, Lenten Day of Reflection, Saturday, Feb. 17 at 9 a.m. Father Nick Adam will give some prayer, fasting and almsgiving oriented talks and then have Mass and lunch. Sign up in the Narthex. All parishioners welcome to attend, just RSVP. Details: church office (601) 969-3125.
MERIDIAN – St. Patrick, Parish Lenten Mission, Feb. 25-27 from 6-7 p.m. Mission featuring Father Phil Krill, a retired priest of the Archdiocese of St. Louis. All are welcome. Details: church office (601) 693-1321.
LENTEN MEALS MERIDIAN – St. Patrick/St. Joseph, Stations and Lenten Fish Fry, every Friday in Lent. Fry follows Stations at 6 p.m. Rotates between parishes. Begins with St. Patrick on Feb. 16. Details: church office (601) 693-1321.
NATCHEZ – St. Mary Basilica, Lenten Fish Fry, Every Friday beginning Feb. 23 from 5-7 p.m. in the Family Life Center. Cost: Catfish $12; Shrimp $12; Combo $14. Dinners include fries, hushpupppies and coleslaw. For grilled catfish call 30 minutes ahead to Darren at (601) 597-2890.
PEARL – St. Jude, Lenten Fish Fry, Every Friday beginning Feb. 16, immediately following 6 p.m. Stations of the Cross. Menu: catfish, fries, hushpuppies, coleslaw and tea. Dine-in only. Proceeds benefit Knights of Columbus community programs. Details: church office (601) 939-3181.
SOUTHAVEN – Christ the King, Lenten Fish Fry, Feb. 15, March 1 and 15. Potluck Lenten meals, Feb. 23, March 8 and 22. Meals at 5:30 p.m. with Stations at 7 p.m. Details: church office (662) 342-1073.
LENTEN RECONCILIATION HERNANDO – Holy Spirit, Reconciliation Service, Wednesday, March 6 at 7 p.m.
OLIVE BRANCH – Queen of Peace, Reconciliation Service, Wednesday, March 20 at 7 p.m.
SOUTHAVEN – Christ the King, Reconciliation Service, Tuesday, Feb. 27 at 7 p.m.
JOB OPENING JACKSON – The Department of Faith Formation is looking for a full-time administrative assistant. The successful candidate will provide administrative assistance exercising quality pastoral skills for those in pastoral and formational ministry in the Diocese of Jackson. Details: 3-5 years’ experience in an administrative role providing direct support to a multicultural intergenerational department. Understanding basic accounting a plus. High school diploma or GED certificate required; completion of college degree in business preferred. Contact fran.lavelle@jacksondiocese.org with questions or for full job description. Send a cover letter and resume no later than March 11, 2024.
TUPELO – St. James parish hosted a January birthday celebration with residents of Traceway Manor. Erin Bristow played a few greatest hits for the crowd, good food and cupcakes were served and even a bit of dancing was in order. (Photos by Michelle Harkins)
Por Berta Mexidor JACKSON – Con la participación de más de 100 jóvenes de St. James Tupelo y St. Christopher Pontotoc se realizó el Retiro Juvenil DNOW (Discípulo Ahora, traducción del inglés Disciple Now) los días 12, 13 y 14 de enero, organizado por Mary Frances Strange del ministerio juvenil de la parroquia de St. James.
Según reportaron Raquel Thompson, coordinadora del ministerio Hispano de St James tupelo y Aracely Nieves, líder Hispana de San Cristóbal Pontotoc, los jóvenes que pasaron estos tres días en retiro estuvieron muy contentos por la experiencia, por las amistades que hicieron, todas las actividades con las que pudieron ayudar al prójimo, las canciones de Erin Bristow (cantante católica) y por Chris Padgett, quien dirigió las enseñanzas y conversaciones en grupo.
Los muchachos fueron divididos en grupos por grado escolar y el sábado hicieron un proyecto de servicio donde los grupos fueron separados en dependencia por causa a la que iban a ayudar: Del grupo que trabajó en el Salvation Army, el jóven Martin Torres refiere que su servicio fue llevar comida al lugar donde se alimentan los desamparados que viven en la calle.
El grupo de Anthony, Andrés, Kevin y Bryan, entre otros, fue a limpiar y organizar una guardería de niños. Un grupo fue destinado al Asilo de Ancianos, entre ellos estaban Paola Hernández y Felicitas López, quienes platicaron con los adultos les pintaron las uñas y cantaron con ellos.Los participantes de Viste Bien (Wear it Well) fueron a un lugar donde se reciben donaciones, a organizar ropa y juguetes para los necesitados y allí ayudaron también a limpiar el lugar. Otros se dedicaron a la limpieza y a mover el mobiliario en la iglesia y el gimnasio de St. James.
En resumen, Felicitas López expresó que “…ésta fue una experiencia única el poder platicar sobre ser católicos…” con sus compañeros y dijo además que se tocaron temas interesantes y algo chistosos, pero lo que más le gustó fue el poder jugar Bingo con los mayores y que el dar servicio la puso muy alegre. Paola Hernández dijo que en el contacto con los ancianos “tuve muchos sentimientos porque aprendí cosas nuevas, conocí varias personas, yo volvería a ir otra vez.”
TUPELO– (i-d) Andres, Paola, Anthony, Padre Tim Murphy, Kevin, Felicita, Martin y Bryan, fueron algunos de los jóvenes de San Cristobal Pontotoc participantes en el Retiro DNow
Martin y Bryan Torres aprendieron que hacer en “…cuanto uno está en problemas y en esos casos como resolverlos…” Ellos hicieron nuevos amigos, para ellos fue pura diversión y no querían regresar a casa. Al joven Anthony Pizarro le gusto el poder convivir con otros jóvenes de su misma Fe “…Tuvimos platicas, asistimos al Santísimo e hicimos servicio y a la vez nos divertimos mucho, nos juntamos en grupos y platicábamos nuestras experiencias,” dijo. Yahira Martinez comentó” Cantamos, oramos y Chris nos platicó que tenemos que buscar a Cristo en nuestras tormentas y que no dejemos que nada nos distraiga,” según las enseñanzas del evangelio de Mateo 14:22-33, cuando los discípulos encontraron a Jesús, pero no lo reconocieron.
Todos mencionaron con cariño y admiración a Erin, cantante católica y a Chris quien fue el animador y orador principal de las pláticas y que, junto a las canciones, hicieron un retiro a recordar por los asistentes al mismo.
“Estoy muy orgullosa de estos chicos porque están alcanzando a abrir sus corazones como jóvenes de Fe y ven la importancia del servicio, no solo en sus parroquias sino fuera de ella,” dijo Aracely Nieves, coordinadora de las actividades del grupo de jóvenes en St. Cristóbal de Pontotoc.
(Aracely Nieves y Raquel Thompson colaboraron con esta historia.)
Por Susana y Edward Flores JACKSON – El Movimiento Familiar Cristiano Católico (MFCC) de la Federación Mississippi – Alabama celebró la Misa a la Sagrada Familia el pasado viernes 19 de enero del 2024 a las 7 p.m. en la Catedral de San Pedro Apóstol en Jackson.
La Misa fue celebrada por el obispo Joseph R. Kopacz, con la solemne participación de los reverendos Padres Marco Antonio Sánchez, ST, quien fue el Homilista, Alexis Zúniga, ST, y César Sánchez, quienes cumplen la función de asesores espirituales dentro del MFCC.
JACKSON – Matrimonios de las diferentes etapas del MFCC Federación Mississippi-Alabama, participaron de la Misa a la Sagrada Familia en la Catedral San Pedro Apóstol en Jackson, MS el 19 de enero. (arriba) El Obispo Joseph Kopacz bendice al final de la Misa las imágenes de la Sagrada Familia que portaban algunas familias del MFCC. (debajo) Vistas de los participantes en diferentes momentos de la Misa. (Fotos de Berta Mexidor y Karina Solano, líder del Ministerio de Sociales del MFCC)
Los nuevos presidentes del MFCC, los esposos Miguel y Lizet Cruz, junto con sus vicepresidentes Joel y Rosalinda Montoya, los matrimonios miembros del Cuerpo Directivo, y las familias que forman parte del MFCC participaron de esta distinguida celebración.
La Misa a la Sagrada Familia también contó con la asistencia de la Hna Amelia Breton, SBS cuya importante labor dentro de la Diócesis de Jackson, fue resaltada por el obispo Kopacz durante su discurso a la comunidad latina presente en la Catedral.
Como cada año, la solemnidad de la Sagrada Familia es una de las actividades más importantes dentro del calendario del MFCC, exaltando a la Sagrada Familia como un modelo de vida familiar para todas las familias católicas, destacando sus virtudes de simplicidad, amor, humildad, trabajo, dedicación de uno para el otro, y particularmente su vida de fe, entrega y fidelidad a la voluntad de Dios. Porque, es en la familia donde se aprende a vivir en sociedad, compartiendo las mismas esperanzas y las mismas angustias.
Es en la familia donde se encuentra la identidad identidad y verdad personal. Es cierto, no se escoge a la familia, por eso se debe amarlas como don de Dios concedido a cada persona.
Por ello, junto con la iglesia, celebrando esta Fiesta de la Sagrada Familia de Nazaret, le pedimos a Dios su intersección por todas nuestras familias, con sus alegrías, esperanzas y también sus límites e inseguridades, de modo particular en estos tiempos difíciles, para que en nuestro medio reinen las virtudes y actitudes vividas en el hogar de Nazaret. ¡Amén!
By Mary Queen Donnelly CANTON – Sculptor Mary Davidson and her co-artist-husband Dr. Kenneth Davidson watched as the “Black Christ” was being erected on the wall behind the altar at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Camden, Mississippi. Suddenly the voice of a parishioner spoke to Mary, almost in a whisper. It was 2007.
“I hope one day you will create a statue of Sister Thea Bowman,” the voice said.
It was the first time Mary Davidson had heard of Sister Thea Bowman. However, having been alerted to the name, she began to take notice of articles about Sister Thea.
SAUCIER – Close up details of the Sister Thea Bowman clay model sculpted by Mary Davidson in her studio. The bronze model will be cast at the Inferno Art Foundry in Union City, Georgia before being temporarily placed at the Cathedral of St. Peter in jackson. (Photo by August Taconi)
She learned that Sister Thea, like herself, was a native Mississippian, that she was the only African American to enter the all-white religious congregation of nuns, the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Additionally, she learned that Sister Thea was the grandchild of a slave; and that she converted to Catholicism at age nine from her family’s Protestant religious background. Thea had been inspired by the kindness and love demonstrated by the Franciscan Sisters who had come to serve her community in Canton, Mississippi, by starting a school for African American children.
Bertha, her name at birth, was the treasure of Dr. Theon Edward Bowman, a physician, and her mother Mary Esther Coleman Bowman, educator and housewife. At an early age they transferred Bertha to Holy Child Jesus Catholic School where the Franciscan Sisters administered and taught. As educators, Bertha’s parents were dissatisfied with the caliber of education in the segregated Canton Public Schools.
A bright child, Bertha rapidly advanced at Holy Child School, skipped grades and excelled in every aspect of the curriculum. At age 15, she decided she wanted to leave her beloved home in Canton, Mississippi and join the Congregation of Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration in La Crosse, Wisconsin.
At first, this idea did not sit well with Bertha’s parents. After all, Bertha was their only child. Neighbors and friends called her an “old folk’s child.” At her birth, Dr. Bowman had bought an expensive bottle of champagne to be popped open at her wedding. The bottle of champagne, still unopened, is kept in the Thea Museum in Canton, Mississippi.
Davidson and her husband Ken were commissioned to create many works after that moment in Sacred Heart Church in Camden. Among them: a bust of Bishop Joseph Lawson Howze, an African American bishop who was the first bishop of the Biloxi diocese.
In between artistic creations, Mary and Ken taught classes in stone carving, bronze casting and sculpture at workshops for 20 summers in Wisconsin and New Jersey. They also conducted classes in design, pottery and sculpture in Gulfport, Mississippi.
Although embroiled in many artistic projects, Mary Davidson never forgot that hand on her shoulder in Camden, Mississippi where she first heard of Sister Thea Bowman.
One quiet day in July 2022, Davidson contacted a friend whom she remembered grew up with Sister Thea in their hometown of Canton, Mississippi. Her friend put her in touch with Mary Woodward, Chancellor of the Diocese of Jackson, who serves as diocesan liaison for the canonical process for Sister Thea’s canonization cause. The rest is an inspirational tale that has resulted in Davidson’s creation of a nearly six-foot clay statue of Sister Thea, currently being prepared by artisans for bronze casting at the Inferno Art Foundry in Union City, Georgia.
Before commissioning Davidson to create the statue, the project had to be funded. Scouring her memory for a potential patron who might be interested in supporting such a project, Davidson remembered that she had taught Archbishop Thomas Rodi of the Archdiocese of Mobile in Alabama, when he was in eighth grade at Our Lady of Lourdes School in New Orleans. At the time, Davidson was known as Sister Mary Augustine, O.P. – a Dominican sister.
Mary Woodward, Fabvienen Taylor and Mary Davidson stand next to a “life-size” clay model of Sister Thea Bowman. (Photo courtesy of Mary Davidson)
“He was a difficult, typical boy,” Davidson remembers.
Archbishop Rodi agrees. “We definitely tested her patience and resolve on many occasions,” he said.
Upon being contacted by Davidson about the proposal to create a bronze statue of Sister Thea Bowman, Archbishop Rodi was very interested. As a former bishop of the Biloxi diocese, Archbishop Rodi was very familiar with Davidson’s work, especially the bust of Bishop Howze.
Archbishop Rodi contacted Bishop Joseph Kopacz of the Diocese of Jackson, to offer his support in bringing the project to fruition. With the assistance of all the bishops of the Mobile Province – Archbishop Rodi, Bishop Louis Kihneman of Biloxi, Bishop Stephen Raica of Birmingham, and funds from the estate of his predecessor, Bishop Joseph Latino – Bishop Kopacz was able to commission Davidson to create the statue of Sister Thea. Thus, the statue is a unique and symbolic gift from the bishops and dioceses of Mississippi and Alabama.
It should be noted that at this critical phase of the development of a proposal to create a bronze statue of Sister Thea, Davidson’s lifelong artistic partner and husband Ken was taken ill. He was diagnosed with Lewy Body Syndrome, a debilitating and fatal condition that left him with just months or weeks to live. So, while contemplating the signing of a contract in March 2023, she relied on her faith to embark on a challenging project – without the physical and emotional assistance of someone she had relied upon for a lifetime.
In addition, she had promised Ken that she would take care of him. And so it was that Davidson used what few moments left to bring life to the roll of clay that lay before her. In between struggling to take Ken to doctors, dressing and feeding him, answering his every call for help (as his mind was deteriorating along with his body) she worked her arthritic fingers into the clay – and prayed.
On Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023, Ken died.
Davidson’s friend and spiritual director, Father George Murphy, who knew both Ken and Davidson, helped her through the dark days ahead.
She had signed a contract. Realizing she needed help to continue with the project, she requested the assistance of a former student from a class she had taught in Wisconsin.
On Oct. 21, 2023, Davidson completed the clay version of the statue. She invited the Sister Thea Statue Committee to visit her studio in Saucier, Mississippi, in order to view the statue and give their approval before proceeding to the bronzing stage of the statue. Woodward led the committee and brought with her Fabvienen Taylor, longtime friend of Sister Thea and former photojournalist with Mississippi Catholic. They arrived at Davidson’s studio to view the almost finished clay statue for the first time on Saturday, Oct. 16, 2023.
SAUCIER – Mary Davidson makes an adjustment to the clay statue of Sister Thea Bowman in her studio. The model will soon be placed in bronze. (Photo by August Taconi)
Woodward recorded her reflections of that moment.
“As we approached the garage/studio where the statue awaited us, I remember feeling drawn in by the aura of the creation, similar to how a magnet draws metal to itself,” Woodward said. “The more I gazed upon her, the more I was moved by the complexity of the moment. I could feel a tear inching its way down my cheek.
“It was an honor to work on the project with Mary – sharing wonderful lunches with her and Ken and knowing what tremendous loss she was now bearing; I knew Sister Thea, Ken and the Lord were giving her the strength to bring life to the statue – for indeed the statue seemed to move and breathe. The hands, styled from a photo of Sister Thea that Mary and I both loved, welcome the viewer into her mystical space,” Woodward concluded. Taylor too was struck by the clay mold. “Sister Thea’s statue captures her welcoming, vibrant, and loving outreach to all people. The out-stretched hands and smile evoke the Sister Thea I remember: a woman of God over-flowing with a powerful desire and relentless energy to inspire and empower everyone she encountered with the knowledge and understanding of God’s all-encompassing and unwavering love for them,” she added.
On Oct. 29, 2023, Mary Davidson opened her studio for invited guests to view the statue. Some were familiar with her work. Some not. The reviews were glowing. Comments varied from “The hands!” “The eyes!” “I feel like she is inviting me to hug her.”
Days later, the artisan from the Inferno Art Foundry of Union City, Georgia, arrived to form a mold from the clay statue. The mold was taken to the foundry in Georgia to undergo several stages in the process before finally pouring bronze to form the final stage – a bronze statue of Servant of God Sister Thea Bowman, FSPA.
According to Bishop Kopacz, the current plan is to house the bronze statue at the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle in Jackson until a permanent shrine can be developed as part of the canonization process. The installation ceremony will occur sometime after Easter this spring, 2024.
“We are grateful to all those who have assisted in this wonderful project, especially Mrs. Davidson, who despite her personal tragedy has created an amazing work of art to honor the legacy and spirit of Servant of God Sister Thea Bowman,” Bishop Kopacz said. “I very much look forward to its arrival at the Cathedral,” he concluded.
(Mary Queen Donnelly, a contemporary of Sister Thea Bowman, FSPA, was born and raised in the same town of Canton, Mississippi, and remained a lifelong friend of Sister Thea until Thea’s death March 30, 1990. Donnelly has published several articles on her friend. Of late, Donnelly published and produced Thea’s Turn, a stage play based on the life of Sister Thea Bowman.)
JACKSON – At a Mass of Thanksgiving for MLK, Jr. and Sister Thea Bowman, FSPA with Bishop Joseph Kopacz at the Cathedral of St. Peter on Sunday, Jan. 14, Alex Sherrod West, II of St. Francis of Assisi parish in Greenwood recited his own poem entitled “A Sister’s Flight” about Sister Thea Bowman to the crowd gathered. (Photo by Karla Luke)
In Mississippi’s land, where dreams took flight, Lived Sister Thea, a guiding light so bright. Born in ‘37, her heart pure and keen, With a spirit bold, in faith, she’d intervene.
A girl of ten, I heard her tales, so grand, Of a life devoted to God’s loving hand. From Yazoo City, where her roots did lay, She journeyed forth, in God’s name, to sway.
Her kin were scholars, healers in their own right, Her lineage, a tapestry of courage, shining light. From slave to doctor, from teacher to kin, Their legacy fueled Sister Thea to begin.
She sang, she taught, in hymns, her grace did bloom, In Catholic halls, dispelling any gloom. With music’s power and faith’s fervent call, She reached souls wick, embracing one and all.
A champion she rose for Black sisters in faith, Uniting voices, erasing any wraith. The National Black Sisters’ Conference did rise, A testament to her work, reaching skies.
Cancer’s cruel hand seized her tender frame, Yet her spirit soared, undoused by the flame. In ‘90 her earthly Journey met its end, But her legacy and love eternally transcend.
Declared a Servant of God, a saint in queue, Her story lives on, her deeds anew. Sister Thea’s life, a radiant story spun, In faith, she danced, her melody, still sung.
– Alex Sherrod West, II St. Francis of Assisi parish, Greenwood
Fiesta de la presentación del Señor. Fiesta de la Purificación de María Santísima y Día de la Candelaria. Febrero 2
Jesús es Navidad por Francisco Javier Franco, Cathopic
Nuestra Señora de Supaya. Patrona de Honduras.Febrero 3
La Basílica de Suyapa es iluminada por fuegos artificiales en el día de su alborada y cierre del año jubilar mariano. Cada 3 de febrero se celebra a la Virgen de Suyapa en Honduras. Por Jimmy Varela, Cathopic
Nuestra Señora de Lourdes. Febrero 11
Peregrinación con Nuestra Señora de Lourdes por Matias Medina, Cathopic
San Valentín. Patrono de los Enamorados. Febrero 14
Rosario y Rosa por Carolina Caicedo, Cathopic
Martes de Carnaval, Febrero 13
Linda Rinder mira a través de una máscara durante una fiesta de Mardi Gras el 9 de febrero en la Iglesia Católica Prince of Peace en Sun City West, Arizona. La celebración precede a la temporada penitencial de Cuaresma. (Foto CNS/Nancy Wiechec)
Los parroquianos de St. James estuvieron ocupados en varias actividades antes, durante y después de Navidad y con ese espíritu comenzaron el inicio de año, según un reporte de Raquel Thompson, quien lidera el Ministerio Hispano de la parroquia.
TUPELO – Ya desde principios de diciembre, varias niñas disfrutaron de las películas de Barbie y del Nutcracker en diciembre 7, 2023.
A inicios de diciembre comenzaron las novenas a la Virgen de Guadalupe, que culminaron con la celebración de una fiesta en su día con las tradicionales mañanitas a las 5:00 am y la Representación de la aparición de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe. A esta celebración Guadalupana, el 12 de diciembre de 2023, asistieron más de 400 personas.
TUPELO – La celebración de la Guadalupe en St James ya es una tradición que incluye Procesión, Matachines, Mañanitas y Aparición representada por feligreses del lugar.
“Nuestra parroquia de St James participó además en una representación de una Posada, a nivel ecuménico junto con otras iglesias, en un programa de Navidad, realizado por el Link Centre de Tupelo y se celebró la escuela Bíblica de Navidad, para niños y jóvenes de vacaciones,” dice Thompson. La Novena al Niño Dios y las Posadas de la comunidad se realizaron desde diciembre 15 al 23.
TUPELO – En Fotos, representación durante la Escuela Bíblica, el día 16 de diciembre en St. James; participación de programa ecuménico de Navidad, realizado por el Link Center de Tupelo y celebración de Posada Parroquial.
TUPELO – Luego llegó la Navidad con la tradicional Misa de Nochebuena, donde un coro de niños hicieron la cúspide de las celebraciones del cumpleaños del Niño Jesús.
Ya en enero se hizo la celebración de la Epifanía, con Misa, convivio y la partida de la Rosca de Reyes.
TUPELO – Raquel Thompson posa con los niños que este año representaron a Melchor, Gaspar y Baltazar
Muchas de estas celebraciones se hacen detrás de colaboraciones con voluntarios y lideres de otras iglesias del mismo decanato V. El jueves 11 de enero, los lideres del Decanato V tuvieron su primera reunión del año 2024, para coordinar las fuerzas locales y diocesanas, mientras celebraron el año que terminó disfrutando el juego del sucio Santa Claus.
TUPELO – (i-d) Raquel Thompson, coordinadora del Ministerio Hispano de St James Tupelo, Danna Johnson, LEM de Inmaculado Corazón de María Houston y la Hermana Raquel de St Cristóbal de Pontotoc se toman una selfie, después de reunirse para coordinar actividades conjuntas para la feligresia en 2024.
Para continuar el 2024 con nuevas energias, jóvenes del decanato V aprendieron la importancia del servicio a los demás durante el retiro DNOW ( Discípulo Ahora) para jóvenes realizado los días 12,13 y 14 de enero, con la asistencia de más de 100 jóvenes de toda la región.
( Reporte y Fotos de Raquel Thompson, coordinadora del Ministerio Hispano)
