NOVEMBER 21, 2025
mississippicatholic.com
Fall Faith Formation Day gathers parish leaders for renewal, connection and new pathways for lay formation By Joanna Puddister King
MADISON – Parish leaders from across the Diocese of Jackson gathered at St. Francis of Assisi Church on Saturday, Nov. 15, for the annual Fall Faith Formation Day, a one-day workshop hosted each November by the Department of Faith Formation. This year’s theme, “Pilgrims of Hope: Journeying Together,” invited catechists, youth ministers, DREs and parish volunteers to reflect on their call to accompany the people of God with renewed purpose. The keynote presenter was Robert Feduccia, a nationally recognized speaker who grew up in Brookhaven and attributes his own call to ministry to formative experiences in the Diocese of Jackson. He opened the day with lively “would you rather” questions that had participants laughing, moving and interacting with one another before leading them into deeper conversations about the heart of ministry. Feduccia encouraged parish leaders to see themselves not as program directors who simply manage logistics, but as ministry leaders rooted in the church’s tradition and attentive to the lived reality of their parish communities. He noted that Mississippi’s Catholic population, though small and diverse, is uniquely positioned for authentic accompaniment and relationship-based ministry. He urged participants to present the faith as truly good news, helping people encounter Christ rather than focusing solely on intellectual debates MADISON – Robert Feduccia engages participants during his keynote presentation or apologetics. at Fall Faith Formation Day on Nov. 15 at St. Francis of Assisi Parish. Leaders from Sister Amelia Breton provided live translation during the key- parishes across the diocese gathered for a day of workshops, prayer and formation.
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(Photo by Joanna Puddister King)
Unity in teaching, mission, and concern for immigrants resounds at bishops’ fall assembly By Peter Jesserer Smith
(OSV News) – From the start of the U.S. Catholic bishops’ fall plenary assembly to its end, a resounding concern for the God-given dignity of immigrants, and for unity in teaching the faith clearly and renewing the country spiritually, dominated the days’ proceedings. The first order of business for the bishops, at the start of the Nov. 10-13 gathering was to invoke the intercession of the Holy Spirit. More
than 320 active and retired bishops joined the opening Mass at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Baltimore Nov. 10. Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, president of the USCCB and archbishop of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, reminded bishops in his opening homily of “their duty to be servants of truth,” and shared the story of a young airman who asked him “how to be a saint.” The fall meeting was also Archbishop Broglio’s farewell as USCCB president after leading the bishops for the past three years through a National Eucharistic Revival, its first National Eucharistic Congress in more than eight decades, the recently concluded Synod on Synodality, and the election of
the first American pope. In his final presidential address, he emphasized the need for the bishops to model unity and help “convince people to listen to each other” amid polarization. “We have to draw on our unity to illustrate that civil discourse is not only possible, but the most authentically human way forward,” he said. For Cardinal Christophe Pierre, the papal ambassador, it was his first opportunity to address the bishops as Pope Leo XIV’s representative to the U.S. since the pope’s election in May. On the theme of unity, he emphasized continuity between the late Pope Francis and Pope Leo’s pontificates, while encourg-
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World Day for the Poor 7 Pope assures poor they are loved by God
From the archives A trip through diocesan architecture
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Youth 11 Photos of youth activities from around the diocese
NOVEMBER 21, 2025 MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC
2 PARISH 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. CANTON – Sacred Heart, Advent Penance Service, Monday, Dec. 15 at 6 p.m. Details: church office (601) 859-3749. PEARL – St. Jude, Advent Penance Service, Wednesday, Dec. 10 at 6 p.m. Details: church office (601) 939-3181.
PARISH & YOUTH EVENTS
FLOWOOD – St. Paul, Rededication Mass, Sunday, Nov. 23 at 3 p.m. Details: church office (601) 9929547. HERNANDO – Holy Spirit, Advent/Christmas Concert, on Sunday, Nov. 30 at 4 p.m. Details: church office (662) 429-7851. MADISON – St. Anthony School, Starry Night Gala, Friday, Dec. 12 at 7 p.m. at the Bill Waller Craft Center. Details: school office at (601) 607-7054. MADISON – St. Joseph School, Annual Draw Down, Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, at Reunion Country Club. Details: school office (601) 898-4800. PEARL – St. Jude, Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Thursday Dec. 11 after 6:30 p.m. Mass the parish will have a special rosary and serenade. On Friday Dec. 12 at 6 p.m. join us for a procession and Mass, plus a potluck after mass.
FEATURE PHOTO:
St. Jude, Posadas, Wednesday Dec. 17 at 6:30 pm. Details: church office (601) 939-3181.
EMPLOYMENT
JACKSON – Diocese of Jackson seeks a Facilities Manager to support parishes and schools. Oversees contract review, construction, and diocesan property/life-health-safety policies; manages maintenance and repairs for the Chancery and diocesan sites. Bachelor’s/associate degree in facilities or construction preferred; CFM preferred; 5+ years facilities/ construction management required. Email résumé and cover letter to Cathy Pendleton at cathy.pendleton@jacksondiocese.org. CATHOLIC SCHOOL ADMINISTRATOR POSITIONS – The Diocese of Jackson seeks qualified, faith-filled leaders to serve as administrators in our Catholic schools. Positions available at St. Joseph School, Madison (Grades 7–12), St. Joseph School, Greenville (Grades PK3–12), and St. Elizabeth School, Clarksdale (Grades PK3–6). Applicants should be practicing Catholics with leadership experience, strong communication skills, and a commitment to Catholic education. For details and applications, visit jacksondiocese.org/administrator-employment.
JACKSON PARENTS SHARE YOUR VOICE IN THE METRO SCHOOL SURVEY
olic Schools Family Survey on Education. Whether your children attend Catholic schools or not, your feedback will help us better serve families across our Catholic community. The short survey asks about your experiences and how you make schooling decisions. Take the survey today at https://tinyurl.com/JacksonCatholicEd.
IN MEMORIAM – DEACON MARK WHITE
OLIVE BRANCH – Please pray for the repose of the soul of Deacon Emeritus Mark White, who died on Nov. 17, 2025. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 1, at Queen of Peace, 8455 Germantown Rd., Olive Branch, MS 38651. Visitation will be held one hour before the Mass. Bishop Joseph Kopacz will be the principle celebrant, with Father Hendrik “Ardi” Ardianto, SCJ and Father David Szatkowski, SCJ concelebrating and Deacon Ted Schreck preaching the Gospel. Eternal rest grant upton him, O Lord.
JACKSON – Families with children from early childhood through 12th grade are invited to take part in the Jackson Cath-
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OXFORD – St. John the Evangelist Knights of Columbus Council 10901 recently donated a new ultrasound machine to the Pregnancy Center of Oxford. On Nov. 13, Father Mark Shoffner blessed the machine during a small gathering. Pictured from left are Danielle Lewis, Theodore Cutcliffe, Father Mark Shoffner, Father Robert Antony, Louis Cutcliffe and Grand Knight Jim Herzog. (Photo by Jennifer Newsom)
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MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC NOVEMBER 21, 2025
let there be light 3
The poor remain at the heart of the Gospel By Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz, D.D.
During his homily last Sunday on the commemoration of the World Day of Prayer for the Poor, Pope Leo XIV urged world leaders to listen to the cry of the poorest, which challenges those who bear political responsibility. “There can be no peace without justice,” he said, “and the poor remind us of this in many ways – through migration as well as through their cries, which is often stifled by the myth of well-being and progress that does not take everyone into account, and indeed forgets many individuals, leaving them to their fate.” The pope also encouraged the efforts of charity workers and volunteers and invited all Christians to seek the Kingdom of God by working to transform human coexistence into a “space of fraternity and dignity for all, without exception.” This is a challenging time across the world where currents of nationalism and isolationism are fracturing global solidarity that is essential for a sustainable commitment on behalf of justice and peace. The Catholic Church, on the other hand, has been resolute in word and action for 2,000 years and notably in the modern era since the time of Pope Leo XIII on behalf of human dignity and international solidarity. It is unmistakable that there has been a seamless garment of Catholic Social Teachings from the heart of the church that has been carefully articulated in papal documents. In recent history there are the writings and witness of Popes Francis and Benedict, St. John Paul II, St. Paul VI, and St. John XXIII. Each Holy Father in their generation spoke passionately to world leaders to turn away from war and unbridled nationalism in order to foster a more peaceful and interdependent fraternity of nations. During the pandemic, Pope Francis sat alone in St. Peter’s Square before the Blessed Sacrament and commended to Divine Providence the wellbeing of all nations and peoples. From imposed isolation and prayerful soli-
Happy Ordination Anniversary November 19
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Father Jack Kurps, SCJ
Father Thomas Mullally, SVD
November 27
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Father Tim Murphy December 16
Father Alexis Zuniga Velasquez, ST
Father Octavio Escobar Rangel, OdeM December 27
Father Augustine Palimattam Poulose
Thank you for answering the call! Volume 71 Number 20 (ISSN 1529-1693)
Press date: Nov. 18, 2025
P.O. Box 2130 Jackson, MS 39225-2130 Phone: 601-969-3581 E-mail: editor@jacksondiocese.org Publisher ........................................................................................... Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz Communications Director ....................................................................... Joanna Puddister King Production Manager....................................................................................................Tereza Ma MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC is an official publication of the Diocese of Jackson, 601-969-1880, 237 E. Amite St., Jackson, MS 39201. Published digitally twice per month January – April and September – December; once per month June, July and August. Mississippi Catholic mails 14 editions per year – twice per month in December and January; and once per month February – November. For address changes, corrections or to join the email list for the digital edition, email: editor@jacksondiocese.org. Subscription rate: $20 a year in Mississippi, $21 out-ofstate. Periodical postage at Jackson, MS 39201 and additional entry offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Mississippi Catholic, P.O. Box 2130, Jackson, MS 39225-2130. Website: www.mississippicatholic.com w www.jacksondiocese.org
tude in 2020 Pope Francis wrote his third encyclical Fratelli Tutti, (Brothers and Sisters All) on fraternal social friendship and global solidarity that springs from our shared humanity. Pope Saint John XXIII released Pacem in Terris in the midst of the Second Vatican Council, a profound prayer and a plea for peace and solidarity in our world. A few years later St. Paul VI wrote Populorum Progressio on the Development of Peoples and prophetically taught that Integral Human Development contains the imperative of Moral, Spiritual, and Social Growth, not just material wellbeing. St. John Paul II in Sollicitudo Rei Socialis on the 20th Anniversary of Populorum Progressio in 1987 taught unreservedly that the Social Teaching of the Church is integral to its evangelizing mission. Pope Benedict in his 2005 document Deus Caritas Est wrote that “the church’s deepest nature is thus expressed in her three-fold duty: to proclaim the Word of God, celebrate the sacraments, and exercise the ministry of charity. These duties are inseparable and presuppose one another.” The Catholic Church in the United States wholeheartedly embraces the teachings of our Holy Fathers as core values and a Gospel vision for our world. On the commemoration of the World Day of Prayer for the Poor, we are proud that as a global church we have vast experience in providing humanitarian aid and development assistance through International Agencies such as Catholic Relief Services in collaboration with NGOs and governments alike. “The Catholic Church has long recognized that helping those in need, regardless of nationality or faith, is a moral imperative. Humanitarian and development aid are an integral part of the church’s commitment to human life and dignity. As the church pursues a more peaceful world through dialogue and diplomacy, lifesaving and life-affirming assistance act as necessary complements that allow for sustainable solutions to take root. “A comprehensive pro-life, Catholic vision for U.S. humanitarian and development assistance recognizes that the U.S. government, alongside the church, shares a responsibility to advance the common good. Given that government institutions and the church are jointly called to create a more just world, a Catholic approach to U.S. international assistance invokes both parties as essential partners in the promotion of sustainable change that effectively addresses global needs.” (Catholic Vision for U.S. Humanitarian and Development Assistance USCCB) Pope Leo XIV has reminded us in Dilexi Te, his first Apostolic Exhortation “that the burning heart of the church’s mission convinces me of the need to go back and re-read the Gospel, lest we risk replacing it with the wisdom of this world. The poor cannot be neglected if we are to remain within the great current of the church’s life that has its source in the Gospel and bears fruit in every time and place. This too is essential for the path to holiness.”
BISHOP’S SCHEDULE Sunday, November 23, 9 a.m. – Feast of Christ the King Mass and Celebration, Christ the King, Jackson Sunday, November 23, 3 p.m. – Mass and Re-dedication of Sanctuary/New Building, St. Paul, Flowood Saturday, November 29, 10:30 a.m. – Diaconate Ordination of Will Foggo, Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle, Jackson Sunday, November 30, 9 a.m. – Mass of Installation of Fr. Marvin Gyasie, SVD, St. Mary, Vicksburg Friday, December 5, 8:30 a.m. – School Mass, Sacred Heart Catholic School, Southaven Friday, December 5, 1 p.m. – School Mass, Holy Family Catholic School, Holly Springs Sunday, December 7, 10:30 a.m. – Mass and New Door Blessing, St. Paul, Vicksburg Thursday, December 11, 6 p.m. – Reconciliation Service, St. Francis of Assisi, Madison Sunday, December 14, 10:15 a.m. – Blessing of New Chapel, St. Patrick Catholic School, Meridian All events are subject to change. Check with parishes, schools or organizations for further details.
NOVEMBER 21, 2025 MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC
4 VOCATIONs CALLED BY NAME By Father Nick Adam
In mid-November I was able to visit the two seminaries in South Louisiana that we currently have seminarians attending and visit with all of our men. I was in the area because I was asked to give a ‘formation conference’ at Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans. Formation Conferences are weekly seminars provided for the seminarians that focus on various aspects of their ‘formation.’ Formation is a huge buzz word in the seminary world. Instead of seeing semFather Nick Adam inary training as a simple ‘education’ in theological facts that future priests can take into ministry, the church considers seminary training as a ‘formation’ of the man’s heart to know and love Jesus and to share that knowledge and love with others in an effective manner. With that definition in mind, the church provides four ‘dimensions’ of formation that men studying for the priesthood focus on. I’ve talked about these dimensions before, but as a reminder they are human, spiritual, intellectual, and pastoral. All four of these dimensions are highlighted in these formation conferences with topics covering different aspects of priestly formation. My topic was on accompaniment of men considering the seminary and promoting vocations. I gave my presentation to the guys who are about to be ordained deacons. That’s the class the includes our own Will Foggo. Please remember that you are invited to Will’s ordination to the diaconate on Saturday, Nov. 29 at 10:30 a.m. at the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle in Jackson. I told the men that as they begin their life as ordained ministers that they are going to be highly sought after by young people who are discerning their vocations. When I was a deacon I remember many young people seeking me out to visit and to explore their own call from the Lord. I was grateful for the reminder that Grayson Foley gave us at Homegrown Harvest about my first interaction with him. He told the story of how when he was a high school basketball player at St. Joe Madison he was invited by ‘Deacon Nick’ to come play basketball at the parish gym. It was the first time he realized that priests and religious were ‘real
NEW ORLEANS – On Wednesday, Oct. 22, at Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans, Bishop J. Gregory Kelly of Tyler instituted seminarians into the ministry of acolyte, the final ministry before ordination to the diaconate. During the rite, the bishop hands each seminarian a paten with bread and says, “Take this vessel with bread for the celebration of the Eucharist. Make your life worthy of your service at the table of the Lord and of his church.” Pictured: From left, EJ Martin; Very Rev. Joshua Rodrigue, rector and president; Bishop Kelly; and Grayson Foley. (Photo ourtesy of Notre Dame Seminary)
people,’ and he was able to recognize that he needed to be open to whatever the Lord asked of him as well. I also shared with the men some of the successes that we’ve had in our vocation program here in the diocese, and I highlighted the effectiveness of our bi-annual discernment groups which are held across the diocese. My discernment group just wrapped up for the fall, and the guys had a great time. They capped their experience with a fun afternoon at Top Golf and watched Mississippi State come back and beat Arkansas at Buffalo Wild Wings after that. We pray that men from these groups will be called forth to discern the priesthood in the seminary, and that many would be the future priests of our diocese. (For more information on vocations, visit jacksonvocations.com or contact Father Nick at nick.adam@jacksondiocese.org.)
Join Vocations Supporters on Flocknote for updates from the Vocations Office Visit jacksondiocese.flocknote.com and join the Vocation Supporters list to hear more from Father Nick Adam and happenings in the vocations office.
MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC NOVEMBER 21, 2025
Spirituality 5
Letting people into our stingy heaven IN EXILE By Father Ron Rolheiser, OMI
might somehow be compromised. As “practicing” members of the family they would have a steady confidence that their own commitment sufficiently anchors the family’s ethos, standards and rituals so that those who are present and uncommitted aren’t threatening anything but are making the celebration richer and more inclusive. That confidence would be grounded on knowing (in terms of this particular family) that they are the adults in the room and can welcome others without compromising anything. They would not be stingy with the gift and grace of family. There’s a lesson here, I submit: We who are “practicing” Christians, responsible for proper church practice, proper doctrine, proper morals and the authentic continuation of preaching and Eucharist, should not be stingy with the gift and grace of Christian family. Like Jesus, who welcomed everyone without first demanding conversion and commitment, we must be open in our welcome and wide in our embrace. Inclusion, not exclusion, should always be our first approach. Like Jesus we should not be threatened by what seems impure, and we should be prepared to occasionally scandalize others by whom we are seen with at table. Let’s not be stingy in sharing God’s family, especially since the God we serve is a prodigal God who isn’t threatened by anything!
John Muir once asked: “Why are Christians so reluctant to let animals into their stingy heaven?” Indeed, why? Especially since St. Paul tells us in the Epistle to the Romans that all creation (mineral, plant, animal) is groaning to be set free from its bondage to decay to enter eternal life with us. How? How will minerals, plants and animals go to heaven? That’s beyond our present imagination, just as we cannot imagine how we will enter heaven: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard. Nor has it entered the heart of man the things God has prepared for those who love Him.” Eternal life is beyond our present imagination. What John Muir asks concerning animals might be asked in a wider sense: are we too stingy about who gets to go to heaven? What I mean by “stingy” here is how we are so often obsessed with purity, boundarThe Pope’s Corner ies, dogma and religious practice that we exclude millions from our church doors, our church programs, our sacramental programs, our Eucharistic tables, and from our notion of who will be going to heaven. This is true across denominational lines. As Christians, we all tend to create a stingy heaven. However, I can appreciate the instinct behind this. Following Jesus must mean something conwould have collapsed long ago or would be at risk By Cindy Wooden crete. Christian discipleship makes real demands and of doing so at any moment,” he said. “Fortunately, ROME (CNS) – In many ways, the Catholic churches need to have real boundaries in terms of however, those who came before us laid solid founChurch is always a “construction site” where God dogma, sacraments, membership and practice. There dations for our cathedral, digging deep with great is constantly shaping its members who must dig is a legitimacy in creating a dividing line between effort before raising the walls that welcome us, and deep and work diligently but patiently, Pope Leo who is in and who is out. The instinct behind this is this makes us feel much more at ease.” XIV said. healthy. As members of and laborers in the church, The construction site is “a beautiful image that But its practice is often not healthy. We often make he said, Catholics today also “must first dig deep speaks of activity, creativity and dedication, as heaven stingy. Metaphorically, we are too often like well as hard work and sometimes complex prob- within ourselves and around ourselves before we that group in the Gospel who is blocking the paralytic lems to be solved,” the pope said as he celebrated can build impressive structures. We must remove from coming to Jesus, so that he can only get to Jesus Mass at Rome’s Basilica of St. John Lateran Nov. 9, any unstable material that would prevent us from by entering through a hole in the roof. the feast of the basilica’s dedication in the fourth reaching the solid rock of Christ.” Our instinct may be right, but our practice is often The church and its members must constantcentury. wrong. We, those of us who are invested deeply in our ly return to Christ and his Gospel, the pope said, The basilica is the pope’s cathedral as bishop churches, need to be strong enough in our own faith of Rome and is referred to as “the mother of all “otherwise we risk overloading a building with and practice to be anchors of a spirituality and ethos heavy structures whose foundations are too weak churches.” that welcomes in and dines with those who are not to support it.” Standing at the “cathedra” or bishop’s chair, invested. How so? Here’s an analogy. Building up the church of Christ is a time-conPope Leo preached about the basilica as “a sign of Imagine a family of ten, now all adults. Five of the suming labor requiring hard work and patience, he the living church, built with chosen and precious children are deeply invested in the family. They come said. stones on Christ Jesus, the cornerstone.” home regularly for visits, have meals together every Part of that work, the pope said, is being humHe also spoke about the feast day when he reweekend, check in with each other regularly, have ble enough to allow God to work on each member, turned to the Vatican for the midday recitation of regular rituals and celebrations to ensure that they the “living stones” who make up the church. the Angelus prayer. stay connected, and make it their family business to “When Jesus calls us to take part in God’s great “We are the church of Christ, his body, his see that their parents are always okay. They might project, he transforms us by skillfully shaping us members called to spread his Gospel of mercy, conaptly be called “practicing” members of the family. solation and peace throughout the world, through according to his plans for salvation,” Pope Leo Now, imagine that five of the children have drifted that spiritual worship that must shine forth above said. “This implies an uphill journey, but we must from the family. They no longer cultivate any regular all in our witness of life,” he told people gathered not be discouraged. Instead, we should continue meaningful connection with the family, are dissociwith confidence in our efforts to grow together.” to pray with him in St. Peter’s Square. ated from its everyday life and ethos, aren’t partic“So often, the frailties and mistakes ularly concerned with how their parents are doing, of Christians, together with many clichés but still want to have some connection to the family and prejudices, prevent us from grasping to occasionally share an occasion, a celebration, or the richness of the mystery of the church,” meal with them. They might aptly be described as he said. “non-practicing” members of the family. However, the holiness of the church This poses the question: Do the “practicing mem“is not dependent upon our merits, but bers” of the family refuse them entry into their gathon the ‘gift of the Lord, never retracted,’ erings, believing that allowing them to come jeopthat continues to choose ‘as the vessel of ardizes the family’s beliefs, values and ethos? Or do its presence, with a paradoxical love, the they allow them to come, but only on condition that dirty hands of men,’” the pope said, quotthey first make a series of practical commitments to ing Pope Benedict XVI’s 1968 book, “Introregularize contact with the family? duction to Christianity.” My guess is that in most healthy families the In his homily at the basilica, Pope “practicing” members would happily welcome the Leo asked the congregation to consider “non-practicing” members to a family event, gaththe foundations of the church they were ering or meal – grateful they are there, graciously Pope Leo XIV sits in the “cathedra” or bishop’s chair standing in. accepting them without initially asking for any prac“If the builders had not dug deep at Rome’s Basilica of St. John Lateran as he celebrates tical promises or commitments. Nor would they feel enough to find a solid base on which to Mass Nov. 9, 2025, the feast of the basilica’s dedicathreatened by them joining the celebration and takconstruct the rest, the entire building tion. (CNS photo/Pablo Esparza) ing a seat at the table, fearful that the family’s ethos
Dig deep, work patiently to keep church on solid foundation, pope says
6 DIOCESE
NOVEMBER 21, 2025 MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC
‘... Lay leaders grow in faith, knowledge and service ...’ – Continued from page 1 – note, allowing Spanish-speaking participants to engage fully. For the first time, the event also offered breakout sessions presented entirely in Spanish. Throughout the day, attendees chose from a range of practical workshops addressing real needs in parish life. Presenters included Sister Amelia Breton, who spoke on accompaniment of migrant communities; Rebecca Harris, who discussed parish fundraising and stewardship; Emily Moran, who explored the confirmation journey with young people; Ruth Powers, who addressed reclaiming community life within parishes; Amelia Rizor, who focused on small-group ministry; and Debbie Tubertini, who offered insights on marriage enrichment. Spanish-language sessions were led by Danna Johnson and Raquel Thompson, who both presented on developing community involvement and small groups within parish settings. In the closing session, Fran Lavelle, director of Faith Formation, introduced the work of the Bishop William R. Houck Center for Lay Formation. She emphasized that one of the most important lessons learned through the diocesan synod and pastoral reimagining process is the need to respond when the faithful are asked to share their needs and hopes. She said the Center represents a concrete response
to that input and thanked those who helped develop its formation path. The Bishop Houck Center for Lay Formation is designed to help lay leaders grow in faith, knowledge and service through programs grounded in education, evangelization and leadership development. The initiative builds on Bishop Houck’s legacy of supporting lay ministry and evangelization and offers formation opportunities in both English and Spanish for parish teams and individual leaders across the diocese. The event closed with a final keynote from Feduccia, sending participants back to their parishes encouraged, energized and reminded that God works powerfully through the faithful who say yes to serving his church. (To learn more about the Bishop William R. Houck Center for Lay Formation and upcoming opportunities for training and enrichment, visit jacksondiocese. org/bishop-houck-center-for-lay-formation.)
MADISON – Robert Feduccia speaks to faith formators from across the diocese for Faith Formation Day on Saturday, Nov. 15. (Photo by Joanna King)
‘... Raise our voices in defense of God-given human dignity...’ – Continued from page 1 – ing them to look to the Second Vatican Council as their guide. As he has for the past several years, he encouraged them to develop a synodal culture that could help them unify the church at a time when many Catholics “identify more with tribes and ideologies than with the body of Christ.” He said, “The synodal path invites us to a different way: a style of being church that makes communion concrete, allows dialogue to become discernment, and catholicity to become shared mission.” The cardinal’s remarks about synodality, as a means to help the bishops bring about unity, were underscored by a Leadership Roundtable survey from the prior week. It showed that Catholics tend to give their parish pastors and parish high marks, yet a consistent “trust deficit” pattern prevails at the diocesan and national level. The bishops elected new leadership for the next three years on Nov. 11, the first day of public meetings, choosing the conference’s secretary, Archbishop Paul S. Coakley of Oklahoma City, as their next president out of 10 possible candidates. Archbishop Coakley won on the third ballot in a close run-off with Bishop Daniel E. Flores of Brownsville, Texas. The bishops then decisively chose Bishop Flores, the conference’s former doctrine committee chair and its point man on implementing synodality in the U.S., as vice president, succeeding Baltimore Archbishop William E. Lori. The following day, the bishops elected Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades of Fort Wayne-South Bend, Indiana, as their next secretary. Archbishop Alexander K. Sample of Portland, Oregon, was selected to succeed Bishop Rhoades as chair of the Committee on Religious Liberty. The bishops then elected five other committee chairs: Archbishop Jeffrey S. Grob of Milwaukee, for Canonical Affairs and Church Governance; Auxiliary Bishop Peter L. Smith of Portland, Oregon, for Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs; Bishop William A. Wack of Pensacola-Tallahassee, Florida, for Evangelization and Catechesis; Ukrainian Catholic Metropolitan Archbishop Borys A. Gudziak of Philadelphia, for International Justice
and Peace; and Bishop Mark W. O’Connell, newly named bishop of Albany, New York, for Protection of Children and Young People. While many of the elections were close contests, the bishops’ voice on major issues – from teaching on immigration and gender ideology to public manifestations of Catholic witness and devotion – was overwhelmingly united in every vote. On Nov. 12, the second public session of the gathering, the prelates approved a special pastoral message on immigration “to raise our voices in defense of God-given human dignity.” They amended the message on the floor to clearly condemn “indiscriminate mass deportation” alongside their call to end “dehumanizing rhetoric and violence, whether directed at immigrants or at law enforcement.” The bishops applauded and many got to their feet after it passed with a resounding 216 votes in favor, five votes against, and three abstentions. The bishops’ plenary assembly heard a report on the immigration situation in the U.S. under the Trump administration, as well as a new initiative of solidarity with migrants called “You Are Not Alone.” In a press conference, Bishop Rhoades also revealed that the issue of the ability of Catholic immigrants in ICE detention to receive sacraments “is now at the top of our concerns.” “Obviously, the beliefs of the church have political consequences, but they’re not political in the usual sense of the word,” Archbishop Richard G. Henning of Boston told OSV News, explaining the bishops’ special message was “a pastoral address to our people rather than an attempt to lobby.” The bishops also heard about promising signs of progress in their ongoing efforts to resolve backlogs for religious worker visas with the Trump administration. Close to 90% of the nation’s Catholic dioceses rely on foreign-born clergy and religious. The bishops also heard a presentation on revisions to their “Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services,” which they approved the following day. They approved the new ERDs – 206 bishops voted yes, with eight abstaining and seven opposing – with substantial revisions from the previous version. They incorporate guidance issued in
2023 by the USCCB’s Committee on Doctrine, which prohibited surgical or chemical interventions seeking to exchange or simulate the sex characteristics of a patient’s body for those of the opposite sex. The bishops also learned that a new English version of the Bible will be called The Catholic American Bible, which aims to unify American Catholics’ reading of Scripture from the Bible they use in the home to the readings they pray with in the liturgy. They also learned that the Vatican approved the new English edition of the Liturgy of the Hours – concluding a 13-year process of revision – and it would be available for everyone by Easter 2027. As the U.S. marks its 250th anniversary next year, the bishops voted to consecrate the nation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus in 2026, during their spring assembly in June, which concludes on the solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. Before the bishops concluded the second and final day of public proceedings – the last day, Nov. 13, was spent in executive session – they approved holding an 11th National Eucharistic Congress in the summer of 2029 following a presentation by Bishop Andrew H. Cozzens of Crookston, Minnesota. Bishop Cozzens, chairman of the National Eucharistic Congress Inc., which will organize the event, said Nov. 12 that a “Revival Impact Study,” which will be made public in December, has shown that a great deal of fruit resulted from the National Eucharistic Revival effort, which included the 2024 National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis. Bishop Cozzens said one of the gifts of the National Eucharistic Congress is the unity it brings to the whole church – something he saw at the 2024 event. “I think we’ll experience that again in 2029,” he told OSV News. He said a theme is in development and the 2029 National Eucharistic Congress itself will be “a beautiful experience of the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Peter Jesserer Smith is the national news editor for OSV News. OSV News’ Gretchen R. Crowe, Gina Christian, Kate Scanlon, Lauretta Brown and Julie Asher contributed to this report.)
MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC NOVEMBER 21, 2025
VATICAN 7
Pope assures the poor they are loved by God, calls on governments to act By Cindy Wooden
VATICAN CITY (CNS) – Before joining hundreds of people for lunch, Pope Leo XIV celebrated Mass for the Jubilee of the Poor and prayed that all Christians would share “the love of God, which welcomes, binds up wounds, forgives, consoles and heals.” With thousands of migrants, refugees, unhoused people, the unemployed and members of the trans community present in St. Peter’s Basilica or watching from St. Peter’s Square, Pope Leo assured them, “In the midst of persecution, suffering, struggles and oppression in our personal lives and in society, God does not abandon us.” Rather, “he reveals himself as the one who takes our side,” the pope said in his homily Nov. 16, the church’s celebration of the World Day of the Poor. Volunteers with Vatican, diocesan and Rome-based Catholic charities joined the people they assist for the Mass. The French charity Fratello organized an international pilgrimage, bringing hundreds of people to Rome for the Mass, visits to the major basilicas of Rome and Pope Leo XIV and his guests enjoy their first course, a vegetable lasagna, at a luncheon marking the Jubilee of the Poor Nov. 16, 2025, in the Vatican audience hall. (CNS photo/Vatican Media) prayer services. The Vatican said 6,000 people were at Mass in the basilisymbolically gave Pope Leo house keys from the Vincentians’ “13 Houses Camca and another 20,000 people watched on screens from St. Peter’s Square. By the paign.” The name of the project, which has constructed homes for the poor time Pope Leo led the recitation of the Angelus prayer, some 40,000 people were around the world, is an homage to St. Vincent de Paul and his decision in 1643 to in the square. use an endowment from French King Louis XIII to build 13 small houses near the After the Angelus, as part of the celebration of the 400th anniversary of their Vincentian headquarters in Paris to care for abandoned children. foundation, the Vincentian Fathers sponsored and served lunch for the pope and In his homily at the Mass, Pope Leo noted how the Bible is “woven with this his guests. Members of the Daughters of Charity and volunteers from Vincentian golden thread that recounts the story of God, who is always on the side of the organizations helped serve the meal and handed out 1,500 backpacks filled with little ones, orphans, strangers and widows.” food and hygiene products. In Jesus’ life, death and resurrection, “God’s closeness reaches the summit of The luncheon featured a first course of vegetable lasagna, followed by chick- love,” he said. “For this reason, the presence and word of Christ become gladness en cutlets and vegetables and ending with baba, a small Neapolitan cake soaked and jubilee for the poorest, since he came to proclaim the good news to the poor in syrup. Rolls, fruit, water and soft drinks also were on offer. and to preach the year of the Lord’s favor.” Before the Mass, Father Tomaž Mavric, superior general of the Vincentians, While the pope thanked Catholics who assist the poor, he said he wanted the poor themselves to hear “the irrevocable words of the Lord Jesus himself: ‘Dilexi te,’ I have loved you.” The Diocese of Jackson has launched a third-party reporting sys“Yes, before our smallness and poverty, God looks at us like no one else and tem that will enable all diocesan employees, volunteers and parishloves us with eternal love,” the pope said, “And his church, even today, perhaps ioners to anonymously (or named if preferred) make reports. Exespecially in our time, still wounded by old and new forms of poverty, hopes to be amples of this activity include fraud, misconduct, safety violations, ‘mother of the poor, a place of welcome and justice,’” he said, quoting his exhorharassment or substance abuse occurring at a Catholic parish, Cathtation on love for the poor. olic school or at the diocesan level. The system is operated by LightWhile there are many forms of poverty – material, moral and spiritual – the house Services. thing that cuts across all of them and particularly impacts young people is loneliness, he said. To make a report visit www.lighthouse-services.com/jacksondio“It challenges us to look at poverty in an integral way, because while it is cese or call 888-830-0004 (English) or 800-216-1288 (Spanish). certainly necessary at times to respond to urgent needs, we also must develop a culture of attention, precisely in order to break down the walls of loneliness,” the The Association of Priests of the Dioceses of Jackson and Biloxi pope said. “Let us, then, be attentive to others, to each person, wherever we are, provide a small pension to our retired priests. As you consider your wherever we live.” estate plans, please remember these faithful servants by making a Poverty is a challenge not only for those who believe in God, he said, calling donation or leaving a bequest to the Association of Priests. Our paron “heads of state and the leaders of nations to listen to the cry of the poorest.” ish priests dedicate their lives to caring for us, their flocks. Let us “There can be no peace without justice,” Pope Leo said, “and the poor remind now care for them in their retirement. Donations can be made payus of this in many ways: through migration as well as through their cries, which able to the Association of Priests and can be mailed to: are often stifled by the myth of well-being and progress that does not take evDiocese of Jackson, P.O. Box 22723, Jackson, MS 39225-2723 eryone into account, and indeed forgets many individuals, leaving them to their fate.”
8 DIOCESE
NOVEMBER 21, 2025 MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC
Chancery adds to architectural district FROM THE ARCHIVES By Mary Woodward
On my drive to the Diocesan Chancery building each morning, I am fortunate not to have to use the interstate. I can drive through two historic Jackson neighborhoods, past museums and the last of some of the original Jackson business buildings to get to my office downtown. Leaving my house, I pass Eudora Welty’s house, which is now a museum dedicated to her life. The small window on the second floor is where she sat and typed up her wonderful stories. Soon the famous or infamous “Jitney 14” is on my left. This is where Miss Welty shopped among a myriad of characters who would stop at Parkins pharmacy next door to have an egg salad sandwich or a burger and a milkshake. Further down the road I pass the old White House, a former boarding house that served great Saturday lunches and is now an eclectic coffee and small batch bakery known as Urban Foxes. Two blocks later I see Carter Jewelers off to the right and the New Capitol Building, which is called new even though it is more than 100 years old because the original Capitol Building still stands. Straight in front of me is that Old Capitol. On the way up to it on the left, I pass three amazing buildings housing the State of Mississippi’s history – the Mississippi History Museum, the Civil Rights Museum, and the William F. Winter Archives. I appreciate how the history museum and archives building are classic architecture that sandwich the unique contemporary architecture of the Civil Rights museum. The whole complex works and graces that block with its formidable presence. Between these buildings and the Old Capitol stands the War Memorial building. Turning onto Amite Street, I can see the clock on the Lamar Life building over on Capitol Street. This is one of Jackson’s coolest buildings architecturally along with the Standard Life building further down. Complete with gargoyles on the upper ridge, the Lamar Life building is a tribute to Gothic Revival style. The Standard Life building is a masterpiece in Art Deco de- Bishop Gerow prays on roof of the diocesan sign. Once homes to business endeavors, both are now residential and mixed chancery building in Jackson on Dec. 12, 1948. On right, the dedication plaque for use. Driving down Amite Street I now enter the Smith Park Architectural Dis- the diocesan chanery building located in the trict, an area of downtown encompassing all these unique styles of architec- Smith Park Architectural District of Jackson. ture. Smith Park itself is one of the oldest continually used public parks in the country. It dates back to 1838. The area is part of the national register of historic places. The reason I mention all these is because our diocesan cathedral, cathedral rectory, and chancery office are all located in and are a part of this historic district. The southwest corner of Amite and West Streets is where the cathedral rectory and the chancery sit. Across Amite on the northwest corner is the Cathedral of Saint Peter the Apostle, which is celebrating its 125th anniversary. Finished in 1900, this current building is the third St. Peter’s parish church. The first was built in 1846 and located eight blocks to the south and burned in the Civil War. The second was finished in 1868 and sat where the rectory and chancery now sit. Once the new brick church across the street was completed, the second woodframed church was used as a gathering center for the KCs and other parish events. In 1913, Rev. Aloysius Heick, SVD, came and loaded the second church on mule carts and took it several blocks north to become the first Holy Ghost church.
Workers pour concrete for the second floor (Mary Woodward is Chancellor and of the chancery building at 237 East Amite Archivist for the Diocese of Jackson.) Street in January 1947.
MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC NOVEMBER 21, 2025
BRIEFS 9 the way for the canonization of our founder,” said Sister Sucy Kinattingal, who has been vice postulator for Mother Eliswa’s cause since 2012.
WORLD
People gather for an annual pilgrimage to the shrine of Fatima Rani – or Mary, Queen of Fatima – at St. Leo’s Church in the Baromari hills in the Sherpur district of the Mymensingh Diocese in Bangladesh Oct. 31, 2025. The pilgrimage attracts tens of thousands of pilgrims from different parts of the country, including Muslims and Hindus, who come seeking spiritual connection and possible miracles. (OSV News photo/Stephan Uttom Rozari)
NATION
NEW ORLEANS (OSV News) – The Archdiocese of New Orleans has edged one step closer to finalizing its long-running – and costly – bankruptcy proceedings to resolve hundreds of clerical abuse claims. A committee of survivors and additional creditors overwhelmingly voted to accept the plan for a $230 million settlement, which would include tailored payment amounts factoring in the scope of the alleged abuse and its impact on claimants. The plan would also permit the release of files on abusive clergy. However, one group of bond investors filed an Oct. 28 request calling for further discussion of the archdiocese’s Chapter 11 reorganization plan, now in its fifth version. In response, the official committee of unsecured creditors in the case filed a response with the court, accusing the bondholder of “delay and subterfuge tactics” in “an attempt to fruitlessly delay confirmation and thwart justice for the more than 99% of abuse survivor creditors who voted in favor of the Plan.” A confirmation hearing is set to begin on Nov. 17, with testimony scheduled through Dec. 4. The Dec. 2 session will see survivors take the stand to share their personal experiences. OSV News has confirmed with the archdiocese that its legal fees to date in the case have so far totaled approximately $50 million. WASHINGTON (OSV News) – Amid concern about the ability of those detained by immigration enforcement authorities to receive Catholic sacraments, a key U.S. bishop said Trump administration officials have “assured” him the matter is “under careful review.” Bishop Robert E. Barron of Winona-Rochester, Minnesota, who was appointed by President Donald Trump to the Department of Justice’s Religious Liberty Commission, said in a Nov. 3 social media post that he and Father Alexei Woltornist, a Melkite Catholic priest and a member of the Department of Homeland Security’s Homeland Security Advisory Council “have been in touch with senior officials in both the State Department and the Department of Homeland Security and have brought forward the concerns of the church regarding detainees’ access to Sacraments.” Bishop Barron’s post
included an OSV News article about a delegation of clergy, religious sisters and laity, and a Chicago auxiliary bishop who were barred for the second time in three weeks from bringing the Eucharist to those being held at an immigration detention center just west of Chicago on the feast of All Saints Nov. 1. Spokespersons for the Department of Homeland Security and ICE did not immediately respond to requests for comment from OSV News.
VATICAN
VATICAN CITY (OSV News) – Pope Leo XIV offered words of joy to Catholics in India’s Kerala state after the Nov. 8 beatification of Mother Eliswa Vakayil, founder of the Teresian Carmelite congregation. Speaking at his Nov. 12 general audience, the pope praised the 19th-century nun as “a source of inspiration” who championed the dignity of women and the education of poor girls. Mother Eliswa, born in 1831 and widowed at 20, became Kerala’s first Indigenous nun in 1866, establishing what is now the Congregation of Teresian Carmelites – and was then Third Order of the Discalced Carmelites – with her sister and daughter. Today the community includes more than 1,500 sisters in over 200 convents worldwide. Over 20,000 faithful filled the Basilica of Our Lady of Ransom in Kochi for the beatification Mass celebrated by Cardinal Sebastian Francis, the pope’s delegate. Church leaders hailed Blessed Eliswa as a pioneer of women’s empowerment in a deeply patriarchal era. Her congregation is now praying for a second miracle “to pave
AUCHI, Nigeria (OSV News) – The Diocese of Auchi in Nigeria is mourning the death of teenage seminarian Emmanuel Alabi, who died after being kidnapped with two classmates in July. Diocesan officials confirmed Nov. 4 that while seminarians Japhet Jesse and Joshua Aleobua were freed, Alabi “died in the course of the ordeal.” Bishop Gabriel Dunia expressed deep sorrow and urged Nigerian authorities to prioritize citizens’ safety amid worsening insecurity. The seminarians were abducted July 10 when gunmen attacked Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary, killing a security guard. It was the seminary’s second kidnapping in less than a year. In 2024, its rector, Father Thomas Oyode, was abducted after offering himself in place of students. A Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria report said 145 priests have been kidnapped in Nigeria since 2015, 11 of whom were killed. With the rise of extremist Islamic ideology, Nigeria has become “the most violent place in the world for followers of Jesus,” according to Open Doors International, an organization that supports persecuted Christians around the world. While the conflict is also driven by other factors, including extremist groups’ desire for power and control, more Christians are killed by the extremists than Muslims, Open Doors said. DHAKA, Bangladesh (OSV News) – In northern Bangladesh, thousands of Catholics have gathered at St. Leo’s Church in the Diocese of Mymensingh to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Mary, Queen of Fatima shrine, known as Fatima Rani. Nearly 40,000 pilgrims joined the two-day celebration in late October, marked by rosary prayers, candlelight processions, and the Stations of the Cross. Bishop Paul Ponen Kubi of Mymensingh led the closing Mass, joined by Vatican nuncio Archbishop Kevin Randall and local clergy. Parish pastor Father Torun Bonwary said the anniversary, which falls during the Catholic Church’s Jubilee Year, brought “a different level of spirituality” to local Catholics – many of them Indigenous. Pilgrims climbed a 1.2-mile mountain path lit by thousands of candles, praying for forgiveness and peace. Despite limited resources, organizers said the shrine remains a symbol of faith and hope for Bangladesh’s small but vibrant Catholic community of about 400,000 faithful in the Muslim-majority nation. “The sight of thousands of devotees walking on the hilly path with candlelight in their hands proves that no matter what obstacles we face, we will move forward on the path of light with the grace of Mother Mary,” one pilgrim said.
NOVEMBER 21, 2025 MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC
10 COLUMN
Laughter FROM THE HERMITAGE By sister alies therese
“Laughter is God’s medicine; the most beautiful therapy God ever gave humanity,” says an anonymous author. Why in the world would laughter be medicine? What needs healing? We often don’t find out until someone pushes that little button we thought we had hidden so artfully away. There is hope for most of us if we have learned anything this past year. When we join others at the table, watch the person you trust the most before you speak. He or she will give you the go-ahead or hold up a hand – like any good base coach. I have that super picture of Jesus laughing in my prayer corner. He had to laugh now and then – look who he surrounded himself with! “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4). Your laughter does not need to be outrageous or loudly offensive – just a good deep chuckle will get those endorphins working. It might even be as simple as a sweet smile to dispel the gloom. As Sister Monique of Owatonna once said, “May this Thanksgiving help you give thanks for all the turkeys in your life.” Blessings.
A driver appeared in court charged with parking his car in a restricted area. “Defense?” asked the judge. “Yes, there shouldn’t be such misleading signs around … the sign clearly said, Fine for Parking Here.” Oops – how things can get easily misunderstood! Still, it is a bit funny, isn’t it? What makes you laugh? What makes you hee hee hee or haw haw haw until your sides wiggle? You know what I mean. What do you consider hilarious? Michael Dorris, the Native American author of Guests, once wrote, “I got dizzy from laughing, lost my breath from laughing. My stomach hurt from laughing. Tears ran from my eyes, everything was funny.” Quite possibly, on the other hand, you do not laugh but (sister alies therese is a canonical hermit who prays and writes.) a little he he hey … almost like a tiny sneeze? Or are you a giggler, one who guffaws, or one who hides behind your hands and lets no one know you found something amusing? Maybe laughter is not your thing – or so you say – and yet you laugh and laugh when hidden in the bathroom or away from people. Henry Ward Beecher once said, “A person without a sense of humor is like a wagon without springs – jolted by every pebble in the road.” I have to say, I think a sense of humor is critical to the spiritual life. Where do we begin? A good laugh at ourselves usually works. Not taking myself too JACKSON – Author Monica Walton seriously helps me get things into perspective. As Proverbs 17:22 returns with “Advent Reflections for reminds us, “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirOur World Today,” a weekly devotional it dries up the bones.” designed with the busyness of the AdYes, go to the Scriptures and discover laughter mentioned more vent season in mind. than once: “He will fill your mouth with laughter and your lips “This pocket-sized weekly devotionwith shouts of joy.” (Job 8:21) Check out the Psalms: “Our mouths al offers readers a rich and meaningful were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy” (Psalm experience for the season of Advent, 126:2), and “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts drawing us closer to Jesus by explorin him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy.” (Psalm 28:7) ing His message for us at this time,” As with our driver who got it wrong, we can as well – by laughWalton said. “Written in the style of ing at others. Not recommended. Nothing is more painful than beLectio Divina with a focus on the Suning laughed at. Yes, we are called to laugh, but how about laughing day Gospel readings for liturgical year with? A, it inspires readers to reflect on one I marvel at those who have been badly treated, who teach me powerful Scripture passage each week so much about laughter. W.E.B. Du Bois, the African American edand explore God’s Sacred Word through ucator, once wrote in “My Soul Looks Back, ’Less I Forget”: “I am a contemporary lens, making the maespecially glad of the divine gift of laughter; it has made the world terial more relatable and manageable human and lovable, despite all its pain and wrong.” during this busy time.” Can you laugh in November? That’s a good test! Death, purgatoThe author of “Lean Into Lent” ry, people dying around us, wars, abortions, hunger, governmental and “Advent Reflections for This Day” challenges, the death penalty – darkness falling all around us. So (which focused on Year B readings), what’s so funny? Walton now lives in Ocean Springs and It is more difficult to laugh or make decisions when the days attends St. Alphonsus Church after 31 are rainy, cold and lonely. Yet Norton Juster reminds us in “The years at St. Paul in Flowood. Phantom Tollbooth” – “Ordinance 175389: It shall be unlawful, il“At first glance, the cover draws us legal and unethical to think, think of thinking, surmise, presume, into the story of the Birth of our Savior, reason, meditate or speculate while in the doldrums.” and the material within helps all ChrisWhat comes, however, into our orbit near the end of the month? tians prepare for His Second Coming,” Thanksgiving, of course—and if you don’t laugh at that dinner taWalton said. ble, you will cry! Maybe it will be an old story Uncle George tells, “So many of us have the best of ina funny accident by a 3-year-old or even a teenager venturing out tentions when it comes to Advent study, but we get behind – and often give up – because of to tell a joke. Who knows? It might be the food. It might be just Christmas shopping, holiday parties and travel,” said publisher Joe Lee, an active memanything. ber of St. Francis of Assisi in Madison. Go prepared – or you might get caught in a bit of misery. Argu“Advent Reflections for Our World Today offers all the spiritual nourishment of a daily ments are ugly. I love this little prayer: “Give me eyes to see what I Advent study, and the modern-day parables are timely and will stay with you.” would miss without you!” (anonymous) Bishop Joseph Kopacz endorsed the book, saying, “In a most creative way, this book Go to that kitchen to help, that table to eat, and take that opporenfolds the richness of the church’s wisdom to prepare the way of the Lord. The power tunity to clear up – having asked the Lord to show you! You just of God’s Word to change lives, the inspiration and comfort of traditional prayers, weekly might be the one to prevent a Thanksgiving Day disaster. modern day parables, practical guidance, and much more all combine to offer a season of T. Hulbert of Rockaway, Oregon, once shared this in Guideposts hope and peace that the world cannot give. Embrace this remarkable treasure and wel(1999): “My 1998 resolution: With the help of God, I resolve to be a come the Lord!” good witness to those around me by what I say and through what Priced at just $8.95 per copy with generous discounts available for group purchases, I do.” “Advent Reflections for Our World Today” is ideal for church-wide study, prayer and Bible David Saltzman wrote in “The Jester Has Lost His Jingle” – study groups, or individual study. “Laughter’s like a seedling, waiting patiently to sprout. All it takes Monica’s work can be found in The Word Among Us and on her blog, sacredandsenis just a push to make it pop right out.” sible.com. For signed copies of “Advent Reflections for Our World Today,” or for more Be careful at that table, in that kitchen or dining room. Things information about bulk discounts for parishes, visit dogwoodpress.com. often pop out that we had no intention of saying! There is much left to heal.
Monica Walton returns with new Advent devotional
MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC NOVEMBER 21, 2025
YOUTH 11
SOUTHAVEN – During Sacred Heart School’s “Living Museum of Saints” on Oct. 31, a student portraying St. Thérèse of Lisieux (B.J.) shares her story with classmates dressed as Mary (Vivian) and St. Clare (Maddie). (Photo by Sister Margaret Sue Broker)
JACKSON – At St. Richard Catholic School’s Halloween celebration, sixth graders led Pre-K students trick-or-treating through the halls. (Above) Teacher Sheila Foggo high-fives students as they pass her classroom. (Left) JD Poole and Drue Beal visit older students who handed out candy to the youngest trick-or-treaters. (Photos by Celeste Saucier)
JACKSON – St. Richard School invites families to join the First Friday Rosary in the Father Brian Kaskie Chapel on campus. This event serves a special opportunity for parents and families to pray together, spend time with students, and experience the faith-filled spirit that makes our school shine. Pictured: Caroline Compretta and son, Andrew Compretta. (Photo by Celeste Saucier)
12 NATION
NOVEMBER 21, 2025 MISSISSIPPI CATHOLIC
Advent reflections from the women doctors of the church By Michelle Jones
We radiate the life of Jesus to the world to the extent that we live with the conviction that we are divinely loved. Advent calls us beyond the false security of the merely virtuous person and into the daring surrender to God’s love of the saint. As we contemplate Advent themes in this spirit, we welcome into our company four radiant women, all doctors of the church, who put all their hope in God’s love: Thérèse of Lisieux, Hildegard of Bingen, Teresa of Avila and Catherine of Siena. – Thérèse of Lisieux on A combination photo show images of Sts. Thérèse of Lisieux, Hildegard of Bingen, Teresa of Avila, and Catherine of Siena. (OSV News files) consistency It is natural for us to live We glimpse Hildegard’s perception of what it Teresa makes the stunning claim here that we can by the changing weather patterns of our emotions. means to be baptized with the Holy Spirit in the clos- console the Lord in his sufferings. When she teaches One day, we are anxious about finances or deadlines ing lines of a letter she wrote to a friend: “May He us about encountering Jesus in the Gospels, she is or the results of health tests, so we withdraw into a anoint you with the viridity of the Holy Spirit, and not merely suggesting some imaginative exercise or cocoon or snap at those around us. The next day, we may He work good and holy works in you through reconstructing in our minds a historical scene. She are feeling in control of life and rather successful at that devotion with which true worshipers worship is talking about encountering a living person. being human, so we beam joviality and peace upon God.” The strength to live confidently as loved sons Teresa is alive to the truth that the Gospel epithe world. and daughters of God is not something we muster sodes are not over and done with, irretrievably in the Advent stirs us from the slumber of following our from our own interior resources. It is what, with past. The Jesus who lived then, lives now and all his feelings and urges us to “stay awake” to what faith our cooperation, the Holy Spirit causes to spring up earthly life is alive in him; the way he was for the demands of us (Mk 13:33-37). within us. people he encountered in the past is the way he is A particular genius of St. Thérèse of Lisieux was We again hear Hildegard portraying the Holy now for us. So, we can, in fact, be the person touching to live in constant trusting vigilance to God’s love for Spirit’s power to make the divine life take root within his cloak, or asking him for mercy, or pleading for her and thus to be an unwavering beacon of divine us in her “Antiphon to the Holy Spirit.” Ringing out living water or consoling him. The episodes of the goodness. The sweetness of Thérèse’s writing style across the centuries and greening our Advent jour- Gospels truly are pathways to deepening our knowlperhaps makes it easy to miss her tenacious refusal ney with healing and hope, she sings: edge of the living Jesus. to conform herself to the contours of her changing “The Spirit of God / is a life that bestows life, – St. Catherine of Siena on Christian identity emotions. However, this consistent decision to be at/ root of world-tree / and the wind in its boughs. / St. Catherine of Siena had a vivid insight into tentive and receptive to the flood of God’s love is unScrubbing out sin, / she rubs oil into wounds. / She the reality that our true self flourishes as we grow mistakable in Thérèse’s response to the trial of faith is glistening life / alluring all praise, / all-awaken- in union with God. Her prayer “My Nature is Fire” that blanketed the last 18 months of her life. ing, / all-resurrecting.” takes our self-understanding to audacious new After first describing to her prioress her experiTake some time this week to notice the creation depths and profoundly enriches our sense of what ence of a relentless “night of nothingness” in which around you. Seek out any surprising signs of life and our life in Christ offers others. “everything has disappeared,” Thérèse goes on to hopefulness amongst that which seems dormant and The prayer reads: “In your nature, eternal Godarticulate her stance of steadfast trust. She writes: barren. Ask the Holy Spirit to stir such surprising head, I shall come to know my nature. And what is “My dear Mother, I may perhaps appear to you to be vitality in the dormant and barren areas of your in- my nature, boundless love? exaggerating my trial. In fact, if you are judging acterior life, bringing about new vigor, joy and commit“It is fire, because you are nothing but a fire of cording to the sentiments I express in my little poment. love. And you have given humankind a share in this ems composed this year, I must appear to you as a – St. Teresa of Avila on encounter nature, for by the fire of love you created us. And so soul filled with consolations and one for whom the Our decision to cooperate with the divine en- with all other people and every created thing; you veil of faith is almost torn aside; and yet it is no lonablement of the Spirit and to live radiant with the made them out of love. O ungrateful people! What ger a veil for me, it is a wall which reaches right up to steadfast conviction that we are beloved by God is all nature has your God given you? His very own nathe heavens and covers the starry firmament. When about growing in our living union with Jesus. We are ture! Are you not ashamed to cut yourself off from I sing of the happiness of heaven and of the eternal invited in the Advent season to expose our minds and such a noble thing through the guilt of deadly sin? possession of God, I feel no joy in this, for I sing simhearts anew – or maybe even for the first time – to O eternal Trinity, my sweet love! You, light, give us ply what I want to believe.” the ecstasy of self-giving love, the torrent of utterly light. You, wisdom, give us wisdom. You, supreme For at least one day this week, try to live in the attentive affection, incarnate and accessible to us in strength, strengthen us. Today, eternal God, let our spirit of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, acting not according the person of Jesus. cloud be dissipated so that we may perfectly know to your changing feelings, but rather according to The Christian spiritual tradition teaches that and follow your Truth in truth, with a free and simwhat you want to believe. praying with the Gospels is a singularly effective way ple heart. God, come to our assistance! Lord, make – St. Hildegard of Bingen on transformation of coming to know Jesus more intimately. St. Teresa haste to help us! Amen.” John the Baptist promises that Jesus “will bapof Avila has precious wisdom to offer us in this reAdvent both reminds us of our transcendent calltize you with the Holy Spirit” (Mk 1:1-8). The Holy gard. For Teresa, the Gospels are a fruitful context ing and nurtures its fulfillment within us. ThroughSpirit enables us to enter into and live by the life of for focusing our attention on Jesus and speaking out this sacred season, we are created into beacons Jesus. This means that every decision we make to with him in faith. of divine tenderness as the Holy Spirit shapes our live in the truth that we are loved by God, while cerShe gives us a beautiful demonstration of doing lives into Jesus’ “yes” to the Father’s love. tainly our own decision, is mysteriously enabled; it just this when she contemplates keeping Jesus comThis Advent, guided by the wisdom of the women is a sharing in Jesus’ trusting “yes” to live as the bepany in the Garden of Gethsemane. She had been doctors of the church, let us throw our hearts open loved Son of God. writing to her sisters about prayer, but she sponta- to God’s transforming work of love as never before. The writings of St. Hildegard of Bingen crackle neously bursts into prayer: “O Lord of the world, my Our world needs us to do nothing less. with a living awareness of the transforming power true Spouse! … Are You so in need, my Lord and my of the Holy Spirit. For Hildegard, the Holy Spirit is Love, that You would want to receive such poor com(Michelle Jones writes from Australia.) the source of “viriditas,” or greenness – that vitalipany as mine, for I see by your expression that you ty, freshness, dynamism which makes all life, both have been consoled by me?” physical and spiritual, alive.