DECEMBER 9, 2022
mississippicatholic.com
Greenville parish and school give thanks for generosity of longtime parishioner, Salvado Sarullo BY JOANNA PUDDISTER KING
During the dedication ceremony, that included a blessing of a projected phoGREENVILLE – The grey skies on to of the “Touchdown Jesus” statue and Tuesday, Nov. 29 did not dampen spirits plaque commemorating Sarullo due to in celebrating the memorial to longtime the inclement weather, several shared St. Joseph parishioner, Salvador Sarullo. the impact he made with his gift, as well The dedication and Mass at St. Joseph as future plans to impact the Greenville School, planned for outdoors, was moved community. indoors due to the threat of severe thunPresident of the St. Joseph parish fiderstorms in the region. nance council, Ken Purvis shared renovaThe ceremony following Mass marked tions completed at the church and those the incredible generosity of Sarullo, who to come thanks to the gift made by Sabequeathed a large portion of his estate rullo. He said that the parish approved to St. Joseph parish in Greenville. plans for an extensive remodel and imSarullo was born in 1931 in Greenprovements to the interior of the Victoville and graduated from St. Joseph High rian-Gothic style church including the School (formerly St. Rose of Lima) and complete re-plastering of interior walls, attended Springhill College in Mobile. artwork and murals painted throughHe was a lifelong resident of Greenville, out the sanctuary, including the ceiling. where he was a well-respected and sucPurvis shared that future plans include cessful businessman, who was known for his integrity, generosity and involvement GREENVILLE – On Tuesday, Nov. 29, Bishop Joseph Kopacz blesses a statue extending and enlarging the altar to betin the community. Passing in Decem- dedicated to the memory of Salvador Sarullo, who bequeathed a large portion ter accommodate service. The historic ber 2018, Sarullo helped many in need of his estate to St. Joseph parish. The statue is located on the St. Joe School restoration project is set to commence in during his 87 years. football field. The festivities were held indoors due to inclement weather. (Photo 2023 right after Easter. Purvis told those gathered that the Bishop Joseph Kopacz prayed with by Joanna Puddister King) church has already completed a re-deSarullo many times during the last year of his life, calling him a “great man of faith.” During the event he lauded Sarullo as a sign of its sound system and that part of the Sarullo bequest helped match funds remarkable example of Catholic generosity and challenged everyone to live up to his donated by parishioners to replace the slate tile roof in 2020. Speaking on improvements to the St. Joseph parish hall, Jim Lipscomb, president of example and great works of charity in the community. Since his passing, St. Joseph parish has worked hard to preserve the legacy of Sarul- the parish pastoral council, started by thanking the diocese for all of the support given lo’s gift, while embarking on multiple projects to spread the Good News of the Gospel Continued on page 6 – and support those in need in the Greenville community.
St. Elizabeth parish celebrates triple celebration BY TEREZA MA
AND
JOANNA PUDDISTER KING
CLARKSDALE – On Sunday, Nov. 20, St. Elizabeth parish in Clarksdale held a triple celebration celebrating the parish's 110th anniversary and the Feasts of St. Elizabeth and Christ the King. Though the day was chilly, the warm welcome of the community drew all in attendance in for a day of worship and fun. St. Elizabeth parish began in 1891 with the assignment of the first pastor, Father Louis Dutto, who remained with the parish for seven years. The first building was on Issaquena Avenue and was described as "little more than a shotgun house" that seated about 100 people at most by Cleta Ellington in "Christ the Living Water: The Catholic Church in Mississippi." By 1913, as the Catholic population grew, a larger brick church and rectory were built on Fairland Place by a young Irish pastor, Father Peter Keenan. Writings of the day describe the Delta region as a diverse settlement with many northern Europeans, Italians, Lebanese, Chinese in the area. The same seemed to ring true to the diversity of the descendants who still attend the parish today. “Knowing our church history helps us understand how our ancestors lived their faith as we consider how we live ours today,” said Camille Walker, parishioner who delivered remarks for the parish's anniversary. “The
lives of our forefathers help us to grow in our faith and to continue their love and care for the church as God’s children.” In 1969, St. Elizabeth parish moved to Florence Street where the church building is still located today. As for celebrating the parish’s anniversary and two feasts, Father Raju Macherla said that he didn’t plan the coincidence, “but God helped us come together in this way on this special occasion.” During his homily at the celebration, Father Raju
reflected on the feasts and talked about his parish and parishioners that he loves so dearly. “Repeat after me: “I love my church and today is my church feast,” Father Raju said to smiles across the pews. “We celebrate birthdays, wedding anniversaries, graduations, so we should certainly celebrate the church feast.” Father Raju weaved in stories of different parishioners and their history through his homily. From “family pews” that he said signified a meaningful, tangible at– Continued on page 6 –
INSIDE THIS WEEK
In memoriam 4 Sister Mary Dorothy Calhoun, RSM passed Nov. 23
St. Joe Championship 13 St. Joe Greenville claims football championship
Youth 14 Photos from around the diocese