What responses to the LA fires can teach us in the Year of Hope

IT IS GOOD
By Elizabeth Scalia
How could there not be enough water available to fire hydrants?

Why are controlled fires and routine brush clearing not part of normal maintenance in such a fire-prone area?

Who will be held accountable for lapses in fire preparedness and crisis readiness?

The questions came fast, and they were furious, as we all watched one of the most beautiful, desirable living spaces in the United States burn down to rubble over a matter of hours, and then days, and then through an entire week.

Multiple fires sprang up; the Santa Ana winds (and additional wind force created by the fire-heated air) moved the blazes along in a most terrifying fashion, and one could not watch the traumatized families, or view images of an area bigger than the island of Manhattan reduced to utter rubble so completely without feeling true heartache for those whose lives have been so completely upended.

Elizabeth Scalia is a Benedictine Oblate and Culture Editor at OSV News. Her column, “It is Good” appears biweekly. (OSV News photo)

Fred Rogers, of “Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood” famously advised his young viewers to “look for the helpers” when chaotic things begin to happen, and it was heartening to log on to social media and find the incredible people moving quickly to offer assistance, however they could. Within a day of the fire Chef Andrew Gruel (@ChefGruel) and his wife Lauren (@LaurenGruel) posted to the “X” platform that their restaurant’s huge parking lot would be open to the dislocated: “You can stay as long as you need and camp out. We will provide free meals for all of those affected.”

After that, they quickly began coordinating with others. Almost overnight, people began to arrive with relief supplies – food, clothing, baby formula, diapers, pet food, hygiene products and more.

Then the Amazon delivery trucks appeared as people throughout the country, eager to do what they could to help, used the shopping service to send what they could. The daily postings of the Gruels, (and other small local businesses) showing the donations, the foods, the vans and the helping hands of friends, family and associates as they continually deliver all of it where needed, have been a source of real inspiration. There is a sense of not just purpose but real joy evident in their posts; it’s the sort of joy that comes when people are selflessly helping others, joining with strangers to build up what has been torn down.

Rebuilding homes and infrastructure will be on the shoulders of others – and that for years to come – but the locals who have taken it upon themselves to coordinate relief to the afflicted have been sustaining the human spirit, so easily wounded and brought low. They’ve been helping people by rebuilding hope, one meal, one package of supplies, one crate of baby formula and binkies at a time.

We have only just begun the Year of Hope proclaimed by Pope Francis in this time of Jubilee, and these scenes have helped me to define the whole concept of “hope” away from any vague platitudes I might have been tempted to in my prayers or my work.

One of the most perfect descriptions of hope ever written comes to us from Emily Dickinson:
“Hope” is the thing with feathers –
That perches in the soul –
And sings the tune without the words –
And never stops – at all


The act of sustaining hope in our sisters and brothers when they are in need is no easy thing. It is heroic, but even more, it is noble in the way that great and honorable acts are so often predicated upon the tiniest things and the littlest ways – small acts of humanity and love-of-neighbor that arise organically and instinctively, that come without press releases and last more than 15 minutes.

Sustaining hope is something remarkable within humanity, and the Holy Father is right to encourage people of faith to think about hope, learn to recognize hope and be givers of hope.

The devastation of the fires of Los Angeles is teaching us many things about preparedness, management and even about leadership and the value of a two-party system. It is also teaching us about how easy it is to look outside of our own comforts and be generous, especially where we see real need.

Experienced firefighters tell us that the best way to fight a fire is by using an intentionally created and directed blaze to snuff out an advancing conflagration. Perhaps we need to kindle small fires of hope throughout 2025 – this already challenging year – in the small places where we live, in our families and our communities and beyond – and let the flames of constructive hopefulness meet and defeat the infernos of suspicion, malice, distrust and hate that are, undeniably, raging all around us.

(Elizabeth Scalia is editor at large for OSV. Follow her on X (formerly known as Twitter) @theanchoress.sity of America’s Columbus School of Law.)

Reflections on Dr. King’s impact on my life

(Editor’s note: This reflection by a local parishioner was read at an event organized by the Office of Intercultural Ministry in honor of the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the Cathedral of St. Peter in Jackson on Saturday, Jan. 18. The theme was “On the Path to Fulfilling the Dream” with speaker Constance Slaughter-Harvey.)

By Dr. Ivory Phillips
I consider it a signal honor and a rare privilege to be able to share with you my reflections on how Dr. Martin King’s work has influenced my life. In order to do that, let me mention just a few events or situations between December 1955 and November 1967.

Two months into my eighth-grade year, Emmett Till was murdered. The news travelled rapidly, throwing many of us into feelings of anger, fear and helplessness all at the same time. We understood the history of such racial atrocities, but were isolated and unorganized. Then came an answer from Alabama. That December Martin Luther King headed-up the eventually successful Montgomery Bus Boycott.

From there he refined and imported the strategy of mass non-violent protests to others places and issues. As that idea spread and I became a student at Jackson State University, I was impressed and became an activist for civil rights. Martin Luther King and Medgar Evers influenced me in making that move. They stressed not just being non-violent, but protesting against the racial injustices. I, thus became an active protester.

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial is located in West Potomac Park next to the National Mall in Washington, DC. The Office of Intercultural Ministry held a special event in honor of Dr. King at the Cathedral of St. Peter in Jackson on Saturday, Jan. 18. (Photo courtesy of BigStock)

Beyond that, King had an impact on many of us as citizens, acting on our behalf through the March on Washington, the Selma to Montgomery March and other nationally televised events. These events generated enough pressure until segregation in public places was brought to an end and voter registration became easier for Black citizens. King thereby helped us to become full-fledged citizens.

He became a protest leader because Black church-goers in Alabama lifted him up to such positions. He was able to remain an influential public figure because of his speaking and writing abilities and his charismatic personality.

Among his most lastingly impactful speeches was in April 1967 on why he opposed the war in in Vietnam. More than just the idea that the war was immoral was his demonstration that it was linked to a history of colonialism and imperialism, that it detracted from the civil rights movement and that it squandered resources that should be directed toward relieving hunger, housing, health care and other forms of poverty. That kind of understanding influenced the teaching of myself and many others for the rest of our careers.

Then just seven months later, in November 1967, he made a speech launching the Poor People’s Campaign, the march on Washington that culminated in a tent city of poor people in D.C. That speech and the efforts which followed caused many, teachers, news commentators and political leaders, among them, to more critically examine American capitalism. This too, was impactful in helping many of us to permanently become more liberal, compassionate or humanitarian when it comes to economic issues.

Finally, King impressed upon us the importance of unity and coordinated effort in the struggle for Black freedom and liberation. He deliberately sought out ways to undertake projects with Medgar Evers and the NAACP. He called on other civil rights leaders to join in completing James Meredith’s March Against Fear after the assassination attempt on Meredith. It also became big news when King met with Malcolm X to work on Black liberation. Throughout his career, he worked with and refused to criticize Stokley Carmichael and other Black leaders who may have promoted other tactics in their struggles.

In short, King impressed me as a brilliant and dedicated leader who is rightly honored and is a more than worthy role model for any and all who are concerned about democracy and racial justice.

(Dr. Ivory Phillips is a parishioner of Holy Ghost Church in Jackson.)

Cuba to release 553 prisoners for Jubilee at pope’s request

By Justin McLellan

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Taking up the spirit of the recently inaugurated Holy Year 2025, the Cuban government has announced the release of 553 people currently serving prison sentences.

Cuba said it would gradually release the prisoners “in the spirit of the Ordinary Jubilee of the year 2025 declared by His Holiness” following a “thorough analysis” of the legal and humanitarian avenues to enact their release, Cuba’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced in a statement Jan. 14.

The statement did not specify who would be among the 553 prisoners designated to be released.

That same day, the White House announced that it will no longer designate Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism and that it would eliminate some restrictions on Cuba.

Cuba’s flag is seen as Pope Francis arrives to celebrate Mass in Revolution Square in Havana in this Sept. 20, 2015, file photo. (CNS photo/Paul Haring)

The White House said the actions were steps “to support the Cuban people as part of an understanding with the Catholic Church under the leadership of Pope Francis and improve the livelihoods of Cubans.”

“We take these steps in appreciation of the Catholic Church’s efforts to facilitate Cuba to take its own, constructive measures to restore liberty to its citizens and enable conditions that improve the livelihood of Cubans,” the White House statement said.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state, said Cuba’s announcement “is a sign of great hope at the beginning of this Jubilee,” Vatican News reported Jan. 15, and he said, “It is significant that the authorities in Havana linked this decision directly to Pope Francis’ appeal.”

The cardinal said other promising signs for the Jubilee Year include U.S. President Joe Biden’s decision to commute the death sentences of dozens of federal inmates and the abolition of the death penalty in Zimbabwe in 2024.

“We hope that 2025 will continue in this direction and that good news will multiply, especially with a truce for the many ongoing conflicts,” he said.

Following the announcement, Cardinal Seán P. O’Malley, retired archbishop of Boston, said that for the last several years he had carried messages from Pope Francis to the presidents of the United States and Cuba “seeking the release of prisoners in Cuba and improved relationships between the two countries for the good of the Cuban people.”

In the spirit of the Jubilee, which invites all people to foster forgiveness, reconciliation and various expressions of compassion, “I commend and welcome the decisions of the government of the United States and the government of Cuba to take steps that for years have seemed impossible,” the cardinal said Jan. 14 in a blog post.

The statement from Cuba’s foreign ministry made no mention of the United States’ measures, but noted discussions between Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel, the Cuban foreign minister and Pope Francis on international issues “with emphasis on the unjust nature and nefarious effect of the U.S.-Cuba policy.”

“His Holiness has given unequivocal proofs of his empathy and love for the Cuban people,” it added.

In his bull of indiction formally proclaiming the Holy Year 2025, Pope Francis called on governments to implement “forms of amnesty or pardon” as well as “programs of reintegration” for prisoners. After inaugurating the Holy Year 2025 at the Vatican, the pope opened a Holy Door at Rome’s Rebibbia prison Dec. 26 as a symbol of hope for all incarcerated people.

The last major event of the Holy Year will be the “Jubilee of Prisoners” scheduled to take place in December 2025, during which prisoners will make a pilgrimage to St. Peter’s Basilica and celebrate Mass with the pope.

Report: 20 years of data shows clerical abuse allegations down in US

By Gina Christian

(OSV News) – A new report confirms OSV News’ previous finding that U.S. Catholic dioceses and eparchies have paid more than $5 billion to settle abuse claims filed over the past two decades — but credible allegations have declined significantly over the same period, with the majority of cases preceding a landmark set of anti-abuse protocols established by the U.S. bishops in 2002.

Catholic dioceses, eparchies and parishes in the U.S. have “changed how they do things” in terms of addressing and preventing abuse, said Jonathan L. Wiggins, sociologist and director of parish surveys at the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate at Georgetown University.

On Jan. 15, CARA – which conducts social scientific studies on the Catholic Church — released a 20-year summary of annual data for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ yearly report on the implementation of the “Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.”

The document – adopted by the USCCB in 2002, and commonly called the Dallas Charter — lays out a comprehensive set of procedures for addressing allegations of sexual abuse of minors by Catholic clergy. The charter also includes guidelines for reconciliation, healing, accountability and prevention of abuse.

Vestments are seen in this undated photo. The Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate in Washington on Jan. 15, 2025, issued a new comprehensive report on the U.S. Catholic Church’s response to the sexual abuse of minors, compiling 20 years of data from dioceses, eparchies and religious communities of men detailing abuse allegations as well as the costs of addressing allegations and safeguarding youth. (OSV News photo/Tyler Orsburn, CNS archive)

CARA’s two-decade review of the numbers indicates that the charter is working, and that the Catholic Church in the U.S. is making real progress in eradicating the scourge of clerical abuse, said Wiggins.

Since 2004, CARA has collected and prepared data for the USCCB on the charter’s implementation, using both web-based and mail-in surveys.

The CARA surveys complement the annual audit of dioceses and eparchies conducted by a USCCB-commissioned third-party firm, which since 2011 has been StoneBridge Business Partners, a Rochester, New York-based consulting firm that provides forensic and compliance services to a range of organizations. (Religious communities of men do not participate in the Dallas Charter audit process, but many instead seek separate accreditation for commonly accepted abuse prevention and protocols.)

Response rates for CARA’s voluntary annual surveys have averaged 99% for dioceses and eparchies and 72% for religious communities of men, according to the CARA summary report. Wiggins noted to OSV News that the Conference of Major Superiors of Men has “worked very hard to encourage their members to participate” in the annual CARA surveys, but stressed that the conference was a “voluntary collective” that could not compel such participation.

Catholic dioceses and parishes in the U.S. have “completely reformed how they recruit people, how they report,” Wiggins said. “They’ve made a public invitation to bring allegations (forward). They do background checks on everyone, not just at the diocesan level but in parishes. They train people about sex abuse.”

According to the report, dioceses, eparchies and religious communities spent a total of almost $728 million over the past 20 years in safe environment salaries, training programs and background checks. Those costs increased 80% over the span of the report period.

Wiggins described the shift in approach as “quite amazing” – and a “story that doesn’t get out” unless the data is viewed longitudinally, and in a national context, rather than simply through media coverage of a given diocesan abuse settlement.

“Sometimes the headlines make it sound like everyone’s having a whole lot of allegations all the time,” he said.

For the period 2004-2023, a total of 16,276 allegations of minors by priests, deacons and religious were deemed credible by dioceses, eparchies and religious communities in the U.S. — 82% by dioceses and eparchies, and 18% by religious orders.

An allegation, defined as “one victim alleging an act or acts of abuse by one alleged perpetrator,” can represent “a single assault or for a series of assaults on a single victim over many years,” the report said.

But, CARA stressed, “to be clear, these credible allegations of abusive behaviors did not occur over the 20 years of the survey, but rather over the more than 80 years asked about on the annual surveys.”

During the 20-year survey period, said the report, “a majority of dioceses, eparchies, and religious communities of men did not have a credible allegation, with an average of three in five (60%) having no allegations in a particular survey year.”

The summary report said that “more than nine in ten of all credible allegations occurred or began in 1989 or earlier (92%), 5% occurred or began in the 1990s, and 3% occurred or began since the year 2000.”

Most of the alleged perpetrators – 86% – “were identified as ‘deceased, already removed from ministry, already laicized, or missing,'” said the report.

That figure is “not surprising,” said CARA in its Jan. 15 media release, “as about seven-tenths (72%) of the alleged abuses occurred in 1979 or earlier, 20 to 50 years before the first CARA survey was conducted in 2004.”

The other 14% were “permanently removed from ministry or retired from ministry during the year” of that particular survey, said the report.

The report also found that 95% of the alleged abusers were priests, with 80% diocesan and 15% religious, while 4% were religious brothers and 1% were diocesan or religious deacons.

The majority of abuse victims (80%) were male, and over half (56%) were ages 10-14 at the start of the abuse, with 24% ages 15-17 and 20% age 9 or less.

The report did not speculate on possible factors behind the demographics of alleged abusers and their victims, and Wiggins told OSV News such considerations were beyond the scope of study.

However, according to research cited by RAINN (Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network), which operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline (800-656-HOPE), a majority of child abuse perpetrators (88%) are male.

Wiggins also highlighted the methodological adaptations he and his fellow researchers have had to make over the years as the clerical abuse scandals have unfolded.

One such adaptation was the 2016 addition of a new survey classification for claims: “unable to be proven.”

While “credible” and “unsubstantiated” allegations are deemed as such based on evidence gathered through an investigation, CARA began listing the “unable to be proven” category to capture those claims for which “limited information was known and a thorough preliminary investigation was unable to occur.” The reasons for the lack of information include: deceased parties in a given allegation, as well as restrictions due to court actions and state investigations.

In all three categories – credible, unsubstantiated and unable to be proven — claims may or may not have been paid out in a settlement, the report noted.

With the addition of the “unable to be proven” category in 2016, “the proportion of allegations deemed credible by dioceses, eparchies, and religious communities of men has decreased from 82% to 54%,” said the report.

At the same time, Wiggins cautioned that there is generally a considerable span of time between the commission of abuse and its actual disclosure – a gap that could impact future data.

Regarding the 3% of credible allegations since 2000, Wiggins said that incidents of abuse “happening right now may not come to light for another decade or so. We can’t say, ‘Oh, only 3% are happening now.’ We can only say, ‘Only 3% are being reported now.'”

While continued vigilance against abuse will remain crucial, Wiggins expressed optimism about the progress made so far.

“It’s not easy for an organization like the Catholic Church to make a big change, (but) they’ve really changed how they do things, fundamentally,” he said. “And of course they couldn’t turn on a dime, but they really have made the changes.”

Gina Christian is a multimedia reporter for OSV News. Follow her on X @GinaJesseReina.

Calendar of Events

SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT
GLUCKSTADT – St. Joseph, Millions of Monicas – Praying with confidence for our children, each Tuesday from 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the church. Join with other mothers and grandmothers as we pray for our children’s faithful return to the church. Details: email millionsofmonicas@stjosephgluckstadt.com.

Knights of Columbus – Grow in your faith with five short videos produced by the Knights of Columbus called the “Mission of The Family.” The Mission of the Family” videos can be found at https://www.kofc.org/en/campaigns/into-the-breach.html. Videos are less than 14 minutes in length.

OFFICE OF CATHOLIC EDUCATION – The OCE hosts a Zoom Rosary the first Wednesday of each month during the school year at 7 p.m. On Feb. 5, Sacred Heart Catholic School will lead us in prayer. Join early and place your intentions in the chat. Details: Join the rosary via zoom at https://bit.ly/zoomrosary2024.

COLLIERVILLE, Tenn. – Church of the Incarnation, Women’s Morning of Spirituality, Saturday, March 1 with breakfast at 7:15 a.m. and program beginning at 8:15 a.m. Keynote speaker is Beth Davis and witness speaker is Angela Edwards. Register at https://womensmorning.com.

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – School Sisters of Notre Dame invite single women to a discernment retreat Feb. 21-23, 2025, at their Sancta Maria in Ripa campus. Details: Pre-registration by Feb. 7, is requested. There is no cost for participation. Private rooms with restroom provided; all meals included. Some assistance with transportation costs is available if needed. Details: email sisters@ssnd.org or call (314) 633-7026.

PEARL – St. Jude, “Women and the Power of Prayer” Women’s Retreat, Saturday, March 15 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sponsored by the St. Jude Artisan Group. Details: Linda at (601) 573-8583 or maria.l.tynes@gmail.com.

PILGRIMAGE – Pilgrimage to Marian Shrines (Fatima, Spain and Lourdes) with Father Lincoln Dall and Deacon John McGregor, Sept, 15-24, 2025. Details: for more information visit www.206tours.com/frlincoln.
PILGRIMAGE – Pilgrimage to Rome, Assisi, Lisbon and Fatima with Father Carlisle Beggerly, Oct. 4-15, 2025. Cost: $5,799 per person (includes airfare from anywhere in the U.S.) Details: contact Pat Nause at (601) 604-0412; Proximo Travel at (855) 842-8001 or proximotravel.com. Mention trip #1181.

SOUTHAVEN – Christ the King, “Gathering in the Spirit” Women’s Retreat, Saturday Feb. 1, 9 a.m. till 1 p.m. Group and individual sessions and activities, as well as adoration and reconciliation opportunities. Morning refreshments and lunch provided. Details: RSVP at ctksdonna@gmail.com or sign up in the Narthex.

PARISH, FAMILY & SCHOOL EVENTS
COLUMBUS – Annunciation School, Mardi Gras Masquerade – Draw Down and Art Auction, Friday, Feb. 28 from 6:30-9:30 p.m. Details: school office (662) 328-4479.

COLUMBUS – Annunciation School, Welcome Week, Feb. 18-21. Come see our school and meet our teachers. Tours available each day in 45 minute slots. Come tour and we will waive your application fee. Details: Register at https://bit.ly/3WAjfU6.

CLEVELAND – Our Lady of Victories, 4th Annual Supper and Substance, Saturday, Feb. 15, directly following 5:30 p.m. Mass in the parish center. This is a special event for married couples! Mark your calendars. Details: church office (662) 846-6273.

CLINTON – Holy Savior, Knights Gumbo fundraiser, Sunday, Feb. 9 after 10:30 a.m. Mass. Sign up in the vestibule.

Holy Savior, Garage Sale, Saturday, Feb. 1 from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. Details: church office (601) 924-6344.

FLOWOOD – St. Paul, Annual Drawdown, Saturday, Feb. 15 at The Ivy. Theme is “The Roaring Twenties.” Details: church office (601) 992-9547.

St. Paul, Bingo Night, Saturday, Feb. 7. Doors open at 6 p.m. with games beginning at 6:30 p.m. Join us for an evening of fun and fantastic prizes for adults only. Cost is $5 per card. Hot dogs and chili will be served with a suggested $5 donation. BYOB. Details: church office (601) 992-9547.

GREENWOOD – St. Francis of Assisi, Mardi Gras Ball 2025, Saturday, Feb. 15, at the Civic Center. Details: church office (662) 453-0623 or email sfgwparish@gmail.com.

HERNANDO – Holy Spirit, Cocktails and Catholicism, Friday, Feb. 14, doors open at 6 p.m. and talk begins at 7 p.m. Speaker is Janet Cupo on Saints in Waiting. Event is for 21+. BYOB. Sign up in the Narthex. Details: church office (662) 429-7851 or email holyspiritchurch@shsm.org.

JACKSON – Cathedral of St. Peter, Cathedral Music Series. Tuesday, Feb. 4 at 6:30 p.m. Organist Buck McDaniel will present a program on the Cathedral’s magnificient Rieger tracker organ. A wine and cheese reception will be in the parish center at 5:30 p.m. before the program.

Cathedral of St. Peter, Cathedral Music Series. Tuesday, Feb. 11 at 6:30 p.m. Organist Beau Baldwin of Little Rock will present a concert. A reception will be in the parish center at 5:30 p.m. before the program. Details: church office (601) 969-3125.

JACKSON – St. Richard, Krewe de Cardinal, Saturday, Feb. 15 at the Westin Jackson. At this Mardi Gras inspired event, our parents, friends and supporters Laizzez le bon temps rouler in grand fashion! The food and drinks are second to none. The entertainment is top notch, and the auction items are out of this world! This is one party you definitely do not want to miss! Details: visit https://bit.ly/3E1y9Mr for more information and register for the silent auction at https://one.bidpal.net/krewe/welcome.

JACKSON – Holy Family, Black History Celebration, Sunday, Feb. 23 after 10:30 a.m. Mass. Join us for singing, presentations and a wonderful display of amazing African-American culture. All are welcome. Details: church office (601) 362-1888.

JACKSON – Sister Thea Bowman School, Drawdown 2025, Saturday, April 26 at 6:30 p.m. Grand prize is $5,000. Tickets cost $120; with additional $15 for second chance. Join us for fellowship, food, entertainment, silent auction and more! Details: school office (601) 352-5441.

MADISON – St. Joseph School, Bruin Burn 5k Run and 2k Walk, Saturday, March 1 at 9 a.m. Race held at 200 W Jackson Street in Ridgeland. Registration $30 for 5k run or 2k walk; $15 for fun run; $10 virtual run. Come enjoy music, fun and glow tunnel in your best 80s running attire. Details: register at https://runsignup.com/Race/MS/Ridgeland/BruinBurn.

MERIDIAN – St. Patrick, Dinner and Dancing, Saturday, Feb. 15 at 6 p.m. in the Family Life Center. Tickets $30. Dress in your Sunday best for a Valentine’s weekend intimate night of fine dining and romantic melodies. Ages 21+. Details: church office (601) 693-1321.

St. Patrick, CWO SOUPer Bowl Dinner, Saturday, Feb. 8 at 6 p.m. in the Family Life Center. Tickets $10 each. Meal includes soup, bread, dessert and drink.

PEARL – Knights of Columbus Spaghetti dinner, Sunday, Feb. 9. Tickets will be sold after Mass and are available on the day of the dinner. Tickets are $12 each. To-go only. Details: church office (601) 939-3181.

St. Jude, Family Fun Night, Wednesday, Feb. 12 at 6:30 p.m. Join us for a fun evening with a potluck dinner, arts and crafts, soccer (weather permitting) and story time. Details: Kathleen at ccd@stjudepearl.org.

DIOCESE
STARKVILLE – Campus Ministry Winter Retreat, Saturday, Feb. 1 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at St. Joseph Starkville. Join college students from across the diocese for a day of fellowship, games, prayer, song, scripture, Mass and more. Cost: $20. Details: register at https://bit.ly/3OoES58.

WORLD MARRIAGE DAY – Event recognizes couples celebrating anniversaries in 2025 – 25th, 30th, 40th, 50th, 60th+. Celebration to be held in Tupelo at St. James on Saturday, Feb. 8 at 5 p.m. Details: debbie.tubertini@jacksondiocese.org.

YOUTH – DCYC, March 21-23, 2025 at the Vicksburg Convention Center. Theme is “Here I am Lord Work in Me.” Register by Feb. 21, contact your parish to register. Details: contact your individual parish offices or contact Abbey at (601) 949-6934 or abbey.schuhmann@jacksondiocese.org.

OTHER EVENTS
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Catholic Scouters Region 5 Conference, Feb. 21-22. The Catholic Committee on Scouting for the Diocese of Nashville invites you to join Catholic Scouter’s from the states of Alabama, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee to a special conference that includes current scouting topics and an opportunity to receive a special event patch with registration. Cost $65 per person. Meetings held at the Knights of Columbus Council 4972 Hall located at 3129 McGavock Pike. For more information visit https://www.ndccos.org. Register online at https://scoutingevent.com/560-93593. Details: email backpackergus@gmail.com.

Archbishop Broglio: MLK challenges all to ‘live out’ solidarity, human dignity

By Gina Christian
(OSV News) – The words of slain civil rights leader Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. continue to challenge all “to live out the principle of solidarity and human dignity,” said the president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic bishops.

The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is pictured in an undated file photo. Rev. King was assassinated April 4, 1968, in Memphis, Tenn. Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio of the U.S. Archdiocese for the Military Services, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, reflected on Rev. King’s legacy in a Jan. 10, 2025, statement ahead of the Martin Luther King Jr. federal holiday, which is observed on the third Monday of January and which in 2025 takes place Jan. 20. (OSV News photo/CNS file)

Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio of the U.S. Archdiocese for the Military Services reflected on Rev. King’s legacy in a Jan. 10 statement ahead of the Martin Luther King Jr. federal holiday, which is observed on the third Monday of January and which this year is Jan. 20.

The commemoration was created after a 32-year-campaign to nationally recognize the life and work of Rev. King, a Baptist minister and Nobel Peace Prize winner who spearheaded the U.S. civil rights movement from the mid-1950s until his assassination in 1968. He was just 39 years old.

Profoundly influenced by the nonviolent approach of Indian activist Mahatma Gandhi, Rev. King led campaigns to end legal segregation of Black Americans in the U.S. in the face of at-times violent opposition.

Among the most celebrated of these efforts were the 1955-1956 Montgomery, Alabama, bus boycott; the 1963 March on Washington, which drew more than 200,000 demonstrators; and the 1965 march from Selma, Alabama, to that state’s capital in Montgomery.

Rev. King’s sermons, speeches and texts drew on his extensive theological training, and Archbishop Broglio opened his Jan. 9 statement with a quote from “Letter from a Birmingham Jail,” which Rev. King wrote following his April 1963 arrest for violating an Alabama law against mass public demonstrations.
In the letter, Rev. King responded to fellow clergy members’ criticism of the civil rights campaign, declaring, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”

“In reflecting on the continuing realities of racial injustice, immigrant families seeking welcome, and economic disparity, these words remind us that we are connected and responsible for each other as we seek to fulfill the dream,” said Archbishop Broglio in his statement.

The archbishop also cited Pope Francis’ address to Congress during a 2015 apostolic visit to the U.S., in which the pope recalled King’s 1965 Selma-Montgomery march.

Echoing Rev. King’s 1963 “I Have a Dream” address in Washington, Pope Francis described the Selma-Montgomery march as part of King’s “campaign to fulfill his ‘dream’ of full civil and political rights for African Americans.”

“That dream continues to inspire us all,” the pope told Congress in 2015. “I am happy that America continues to be, for many, a land of ‘dreams.’ Dreams which lead to action, to participation, to commitment. Dreams which awaken what is deepest and truest in the life of a people.”

“Let us be inspired by this righteous man’s work and sacrifice to create a more just society for all of God’s children,” said Archbishop Broglio.

(Gina Christian is a multimedia reporter for OSV News. Follow her on X @GinaJesseReina.)

(Editor’s note: See reflections from two local Catholics on how Dr. King’s message impacted their lives.)

Reflections on Dr. King’s impact on my life

Martin Luther King: a “Moses” of the 20th century

Tome Nota

Vírgenes y Santos

Fiesta de la presentación del Señor
febrero 2

San Blas
febrero 3

Santa Águeda
febrero 5

Santa Josefina Bakhita
febrero 8

Nuestra Señora de Lourdes
febrero 11

GREENWOOD – St. Francisco, El Baile Mardi Gras Ball 2025 se llevará a cabo el sábado, por la noche, el día 15 de febrero de 2025, en el Civic Center. Es patrocinado por el Comité Mardi Gras 2025 de la Parroquia de S. Francisco de Asís, Greenwood.

Envíenos sus fotos a
editor@jacksondiocese.org

Síganos en Facebook:
@DiócesisCatólicadeJackson

Breves de la Nación y el Mundo

NACIÓN
WASHINGTON (OSV News) – El vicepresidente JD Vance cuestionó la oposición de la Conferencia de Obispos Católicos de Estados Unidos (USCCB) a las políticas de inmigración del presidente Donald Trump – incluyendo terminar una prohibición a que hayan redadas en iglesias y escuelas – acusando a la conferencia episcopal de priorizar la financiación federal sobre “la aplicación de la inmigración con sentido común”. En declaraciones al programa Face the Nation de la CBS el 26 de enero, Vance dijo: “Como católico practicante, me rompió el corazón su declaración”, en referencia a la condena de los obispos a las órdenes ejecutivas de Trump sobre inmigración. Vance criticó a la USCCB por recibir más de 100 millones de dólares anuales en fondos federales para el reasentamiento de refugiados, sugiriendo que motivos financieros influyeron en su postura. Defendió las políticas de Trump, incluidas las controvertidas medidas que permiten una amplia latitud para las redadas de inmigración en escuelas e iglesias, diciendo que tienen como objetivo proteger la seguridad pública. La USCCB ha expresado su preocupación por el impacto humanitario de tales políticas, haciendo hincapié en la dignidad humana y pidiendo una reforma migratoria bipartidista. Las respuestas de los obispos a las órdenes ejecutivas de Trump de la primera semana destacaron los peligros de las generalizaciones sobre los inmigrantes e instaron a soluciones basadas en la justicia y la misericordia. En una declaración del 22 de enero, el obispo Mark J. Seitz de El Paso, Texas, presidente del Comité de Migración de la USCCB, dijo que las órdenes ejecutivas del presidente “específicamente destinadas a eviscerar las protecciones humanitarias consagradas en la ley federal y socavar el debido proceso, sometiendo a familias y niños vulnerables a un grave peligro”.

El 29 de mayo de 2024, una mujer y un hombre miran la catedral de Santiago de Compostela. Según la oficina del peregrino, en 2024 se alcanzó la cifra récord de 499.239 peregrinos de todo el mundo que recorrieron el famoso Camino de Santiago. (Foto de OSV News/Andreas Drouve, KNA)

VATICANO
CIUDAD DEL VATICANO (CNS) – Retomando el espíritu del recién inaugurado Año Santo 2025, el gobierno cubano ha anunciado la liberación de 553 personas que actualmente cumplen penas de prisión. Cuba dijo que liberaría gradualmente a los prisioneros “en el espíritu del Jubileo Ordinario de 2025 declarado por Su Santidad” después de un “análisis cuidadoso” de las vías legales y humanitarias para promulgar su liberación, anunció el Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores de Cuba en una declaración el 14 de enero. La declaración no especificaba quiénes estarían entre los 553 presos designados para ser liberados. Ese mismo día, la Casa Blanca anunció que dejaría de designar a Cuba como un país patrocinador del terrorismo y que eliminaría algunas restricciones impuestas a Cuba. La Casa Blanca dijo que las acciones eran pasos “para apoyar al pueblo cubano como parte de un entendimiento con la Iglesia Católica bajo el liderazgo del Papa Francisco y mejorar los medios de vida de los cubanos”.

CIUDAD DEL VATICANO (CNS) – Aunque se llama a sí mismo un “hombre viejo” y dice que nunca esperó ser Papa tanto tiempo, el Papa Francisco dijo que todavía tiene sueños para el futuro. “No debemos tropezar con el mañana, debemos construirlo, y todos tenemos la responsabilidad de hacerlo de manera que responda al proyecto de Dios, que no es otro que la felicidad de la humanidad, la centralidad de la humanidad, sin excluir a nadie”, escribió el pontífice de 88 años en su autobiografía. “Esperanza: la autobiografía” fue escrita con el editor italiano Carlo Musso a partir de 2019. El plan original, dijo Musso, era que el libro se publicara después de la muerte del Papa Francisco. Pero Mondadori, la editorial italiana que coordina el lanzamiento, dijo que el Papa decidió en agosto que se publicara al comienzo del Año Santo 2025, cuyo tema central es la esperanza. El libro salió a la venta el 14 de enero en su versión original en italiano y en otros 17 idiomas en unos 100 países. Random House publicó el libro en inglés en Estados Unidos, y Penguin Random House Canada lo hizo en Canadá. Según Publishers Weekly, Penguin Random House también estaba encargado de la publicación en España y Portugal.

MUNDO
SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA, España (OSV News) – El Camino de Santiago batió un nuevo récord en 2024 con casi medio millón de peregrinos que completaron el famoso viaje. Los 499.239 peregrinos, de los cuales 38.000 procedían de Estados Unidos, supusieron un aumento significativo con respecto a los 446.082 peregrinos de 2023 y los 438.307 de 2022. Desde la Edad Media, los peregrinos recorren la ruta que lleva a la tumba del Apóstol Santiago en Santiago de Compostela, y el Camino se ha convertido en uno de los principales destinos de peregrinación de la cristiandad, junto con Roma y Jerusalén. La ruta de peregrinación atraviesa Europa y converge en España, Portugal y Francia. Durante la temporada alta de peregrinación, de mayo a octubre, una media de 2.300 peregrinos llegó diariamente en 2024. Los estadounidenses fueron el segundo grupo de peregrinos más numeroso, por detrás de los españoles. Otros grupos notables procedían de Italia, Alemania e incluso de lugares lejanos como Gambia y Laos. Para recibir un certificado de peregrinación, los viajeros deben recorrer los últimos 100 km a pie o 124 km en bicicleta; algunos completan la ruta a caballo.Aunque la afluencia de peregrinos ha sido emocionante, las comunidades locales están experimentando un hacinamiento en los alojamientos y tienen una creciente preocupación por el ruido y la congestión. A pesar de estos problemas, el Camino sigue siendo una ruta para el crecimiento espiritual, la aventura y la exploración cultural.

El obispo Álvarez concede su primera entrevista desde el exilio mientras Nicaragua cancela otro grupo católico

Por David Agren
BUENOS AIRES (OSV News) – El obispo Rolando Álvarez de Matagalpa, firme líder de la Iglesia nicaragüense, concedió su primera entrevista desde que fue exiliado al Vaticano en enero de 2024, y lo hizo en medio de otra cancelación de la personalidad jurídica de una organización católica, a medida que el régimen sandinista extingue a los grupos de la sociedad civil y las órdenes religiosas.

A la pregunta de cómo pueden resistir los fieles ante tanta persecución, el obispo citó la exhortación del Papa Francisco a los fieles a que “miremos a la Virgen Inmaculada”, patrona de Nicaragua. Monseñor Álvarez también aconsejó a los jóvenes “ser valientes” como San José y emular su “valentía y confianza en la Providencia”.

El obispo Rolando Álvarez de Matagalpa, Nicaragua, frecuente crítico del presidente nicaragüense Daniel Ortega, reza en una iglesia católica de Managua el 20 de mayo de 2022. El obispo concedió su primera entrevista desde que fue exiliado al Vaticano en enero de 2024, y dicha entrevista se produjo en medio de otra cancelación del estatus legal de una organización católica, a medida que el régimen sandinista extingue efectivamente grupos de la sociedad civil y órdenes religiosas. (Foto OSV News/Maynor Valenzuela, Reuters)

En Nicaragua, la edición del 8 de enero de La Gaceta-Diario Oficial, el periódico oficial del gobierno, informó que el Ministerio del Interior revocó el estatus legal de la Fundación de Monjas Dominicas Contemplativas, citando una “disolución voluntaria” debido a una “disminución de sus miembros y falta de recursos para realizar sus proyectos”. También se revocó la personalidad jurídica a otras 14 organizaciones, entre ellas iglesias evangélicas, grupos caritativos y Save the Children International.

Nicaragua ha cancelado la personalidad jurídica de más de 5.400 grupos religiosos y no gubernamentales en los últimos seis años, mientras el gobierno del presidente Daniel Ortega y su esposa, la vicepresidenta Rosario Murillo, cerraba espacios a la sociedad civil, perseguía a la prensa y a la oposición y vulneraba derechos básicos como la libertad de asociación.

La pareja, que ha presentado una reforma constitucional para ser copresidentes, ha atentado también contra la libertad de culto, con sacerdotes, obispos y religiosos exiliados y obligados a huir del país. El régimen ha cancelado la personalidad jurídica de decenas de organizaciones católicas, incluidas órdenes religiosas como los jesuitas y las Misioneras de la Caridad.

El senador estadounidense Marco Rubio, de Florida, cuya nominación para ser Secretario de Estado en la administración entrante del presidente electo Donald Trump fue confirmada el 20 de enero, habló de la persecución a la Iglesia en Nicaragua durante su audiencia de confirmación el 15 de enero. “Una de las primeras cosas que hicieron en el nuevo año fue echar a todas las monjas del país. Han entrado en guerra con la Iglesia Católica, que era la última institución del país capaz de hacerles frente”, dijo.

Sus comentarios sobre las religiosas reflejaban la percepción en Nicaragua de que muchas religiosas se verían obligadas a abandonar el país después de que sus congregaciones perdieran su estatus legal. Una fuente familiarizada con la situación de la Iglesia en Nicaragua no pudo confirmar las afirmaciones del senador de que ya no quedan religiosas en Nicaragua.

Martha Patricia Molina, una abogada nicaragüense en el exilio que documenta la represión contra la Iglesia Católica en su país de origen, dijo que al menos 14 órdenes religiosas han abandonado Nicaragua desde 2018. Al menos 74 organizaciones patrocinadas por católicos han sido cerradas en el mismo período, incluidas universidades, capítulos de Cáritas y proyectos de caridad, dijo.

En su último informe sobre la represión eclesiástica, publicado en diciembre, Molina afirmó que, en total, 266 eclesiásticos han sido expulsados de Nicaragua o se les ha prohibido regresar tras viajar al extranjero, entre ellos 146 sacerdotes, 99 religiosas y cuatro obispos.

El obispo Álvarez, cuyas homilías denunciaban los excesos del gobierno Ortega-Murillo, es quizá la voz más destacada enviada al exilio. Fue enviado a Roma con 18 eclesiásticos detenidos en enero de 2024, tras ser condenado a 26 años de prisión por cargos falsos de conspiración y difusión de información falsa.
El obispo concedió su primera entrevista desde su exilio a una publicación española, La Tribuna de Albacete. Dijo a la publicación el 12 de enero que viajó a España en una visita pastoral, para visitar a sacerdotes y seminaristas de Nicaragua que trabajan y estudian en la región.

“Siempre trato de estar cerca de mis sacerdotes”, dijo Mons. Álvarez. “Para mí, esa es la principal tarea pastoral, incluso antes que cualquier otra opción preferencial. Ellos son mis hijos, mis hermanos, mis amigos y mis colaboradores más íntimos en la misión apostólica y evangelizadora que el Señor me ha confiado”.

A la pregunta de cómo está la Iglesia nicaragüense, citó una carta del Papa Francisco a los nicaragüenses en diciembre, en vísperas de la fiesta de la Inmaculada Concepción.

El Papa dijo a los nicaragüenses: “No se olviden de la providencia amorosa del Señor, que nos acompaña y es la única guía segura. Precisamente en los momentos más difíciles, donde humanamente parece imposible entender lo que Dios quiere de nosotros, estamos llamados a no dudar de su cuidado y misericordia”.

Preguntado sobre cómo afrontar una difícil realidad de persecución en casa, Mons. Álvarez citó la carta papal, que aconseja: “Tengan la certeza de que la fe y la esperanza realizan milagros. Miremos a la Virgen Inmaculada; ella es el testimonio luminoso de esa confianza. Ustedes siempre han experimentado su amparo materno en todas sus necesidades y han mostrado su agradecimiento con una religiosidad muy hermosa y rica espiritualmente”. Y continuó: “Por eso, nosotros nos acogemos siempre a la Purísima, que es la patrona de Nicaragua”.

En otra pregunta se le pidió al obispo un consejo para los jóvenes. Les invitó a “volver la mirada a la Sagrada Familia: Jesús, María y José. San José, como varón justo, nos da un ejemplo de valentía y confianza en la Providencia”.

Y añadió: “Les pido (a los jóvenes) que sean valientes, creativos e innovadores. Que no tengan miedo y mantengan la energía necesaria para transformar el mundo en un lugar mejor para todos”.

(David Agren escribe para OSV News desde Buenos Aires.)

Artículos antiguos:

Obispo Rolando Álvarez es excarcelado y deportado de Nicaragua

Régimen nicaragüense publica fotos del obispo Álvarez

Obispo Álvarez aparece con vida en tele entrevista montada

El primer día de Trump incluyó órdenes ejecutivas sobre la ciudadanía por derecho de nacimiento y el clima

Por Kate Scanlon
WASHINGTON (OSV News) – Entre los primeros actos de su segundo mandato, el presidente Donald Trump firmó una serie de órdenes ejecutivas, incluidas medidas relacionadas con la inmigración, ciudadanía por derecho de nacimiento y el clima. Algunas organizaciones católicas expresaron su preocupación por el alcance de sus órdenes y su posible impacto en los migrantes. 

En un evento en Capital One Arena, Trump firmó una serie de órdenes ejecutivas ante una multitud de sus partidarios. Según anunció uno de sus ayudantes, Trump firmó órdenes que rescindían 78 de las acciones ejecutivas del ex-presidente Joe Biden, incluida una que creaba un grupo de trabajo para reunir a las familias separadas deliberadamente en la frontera. Otra orden suspendió algunos programas estadounidenses para refugiados, incluido uno para afganos autorizados por el gobierno estadounidense a reasentarse en EE.UU. debido a las amenazas de los talibanes después de que ayudaran a EE.UU.

Trump también firmó una orden para retirarse del Acuerdo de París sobre el clima.

El presidente, Donald Trump, firma documentos en el Despacho Oval de la Casa Blanca el 20 de enero de 2025. Firmó una serie de órdenes ejecutivas, entre ellas sobre inmigración, ciudadanía por derecho de nacimiento y clima. Trump también firmó una orden ejecutiva concediendo alrededor de 1.500 indultos a los acusados en relación con los disturbios del 6 de enero de 2021 en el Capitolio de los Estados Unidos. (Foto OSV News/Carlos Barria, Reuters)

Una vez que llegó al Despacho Oval, Trump firmó una orden ejecutiva por la que se concedían unos 1.500 indultos a los acusados en relación con los disturbios del 6 de enero de 2021 en el Capitolio de Estados Unidos, el día en que 2.000 partidarios del entonces presidente Donald Trump intentaron bloquear la certificación por parte del Congreso de la victoria electoral del presidente Joe Biden. Trump indicó que podría haber conmutaciones adicionales tras una “revisión”. 

Trump también firmó una orden ejecutiva para poner fin a la práctica de la ciudadanía por derecho de nacimiento. La Enmienda 14 establece que “Todas las personas nacidas o naturalizadas en los Estados Unidos y sujetas a su jurisdicción, son ciudadanas de los Estados Unidos y del Estado donde ellas residen”, pero Trump dijo a los periodistas en la Oficina Oval que “somos el único país del mundo que hace esto”. Es probable que la orden se enfrente a desafíos legales. 

En su discurso de investidura apenas unas horas antes, Trump dijo que firmaría una serie de órdenes ejecutivas en los próximos días, incluida la declaración de emergencia nacional en la frontera entre Estados Unidos y México, el cierre de la “entrada ilegal” y el inicio del “proceso de devolución de millones y millones de extranjeros criminales a los lugares de donde vinieron”. La Casa Blanca dijo que Trump tomaría “medidas audaces para asegurar nuestra frontera”.

 Si bien los detalles de cómo la Casa Blanca puede llevar a cabo un programa de deportación masiva aún no están del todo claros, las deportaciones masivas en general son contrarias a la enseñanza del Concilio Vaticano II en “Gaudium et Spes”, que condena la “deportación” entre otras acciones, como el aborto, que “degradan la civilización humana” y “son totalmente contrarias al honor debido al Creador”, una enseñanza que el Papa San Juan Pablo II afirmó en dos encíclicas sobre la verdad moral y las cuestiones de la vida.

Las órdenes ejecutivas son directivas legalmente vinculantes del presidente y se publican en el Registro Federal. Por el contrario, el término “acciones ejecutivas” es más amplio y puede incluir propuestas informales de políticas que el presidente desearía ver promulgadas. Aunque es habitual que los nuevos presidentes emitan algunas órdenes ejecutivas en su primer día para señalar ciertas prioridades, Trump señaló planes de mayor alcance. Se espera que algunas de sus órdenes planeadas se enfrenten a desafíos legales.

Chieko Noguchi, directora ejecutiva de asuntos públicos de la Conferencia de Obispos Católicos de Estados Unidos (USCCB por sus siglas en inglés), dijo en un comunicado que la “conferencia revisará cuidadosamente las órdenes ejecutivas que se espera que sean firmadas hoy por el presidente Trump”. 
“La doctrina fundacional de la Iglesia católica nos llama a defender el carácter sagrado de la vida humana y la dignidad de la persona humana otorgada por Dios. Esto significa que el cuidado de los inmigrantes, los refugiados y los pobres es parte de la misma enseñanza de la Iglesia que nos exige proteger a los más vulnerables entre nosotros, especialmente los niños no nacidos, los ancianos y los enfermos. La conferencia episcopal trabajará con la Administración Trump, así como con el Congreso de los Estados Unidos para avanzar en el bien común para todos, que incluirá instancias de acuerdo, así como de desacuerdo”, señaló.

Ronnate Asirwatham, director de relaciones gubernamentales de Network, un lobby católico de justicia social, dijo en un comunicado: “En los próximos días veremos una avalancha de Órdenes Ejecutivas, proclamaciones y legislación que intentarán criminalizar a nuestros vecinos, familiares y amigos, no dejaremos que nuestra comunidad se divida de esta manera”. 

“Desde los médicos a los trabajadores de las tiendas de comestibles, si nuestros vecinos son arrancados de nuestras comunidades, estaremos de luto por su pérdida, ausencia, regalos y contribuciones a nuestra comunidad y país”, dijo Asirwatham. “Nos negamos a permanecer en silencio mientras el Estado ataca innecesariamente a las personas, al tiempo que persigue políticas que sólo benefician a los ultra ricos”.
El uso de CBP One, la aplicación móvil gestionada por el Servicio de Aduanas y Protección de Fronteras de Estados Unidos para conseguir las citas necesarias para solicitar asilo y entrar legalmente en Estados Unidos, se suspendió al comenzar el mandato de Trump. 

Dylan Corbett, director ejecutivo del Hope Border Institute, escribió en un post en X que aunque la app “no era perfecta”, “contribuyó a reducir drásticamente los cruces fronterizos irregulares y fue el comienzo de una forma segura, ordenada y racional de gestionar la migración en la frontera”. 

“Demolerla en un día sólo hará la vida más caótica para la Patrulla Fronteriza y los migrantes”, dijo. 
Esa misma noche, el Senado de Estados Unidos votó unánimemente para confirmar al senador Marco Rubio, republicano de Florida, como Secretario de Estado, convirtiéndolo en el primer miembro confirmado del gabinete de Trump en su segunda administración.

Los 99 senadores votaron a favor de Rubio, incluido el propio Rubio. La única vacante en el Senado se debió a que el vicepresidente JD Vance renunció a su escaño en Ohio a principios de enero para asumir su nuevo cargo. Rubio renunció posteriormente a la Cámara Alta como consecuencia de su confirmación. 

(Kate Scanlon es una reportera nacional de OSV News que cubre Washington. Síguela en X @kgscanlon.)