JACKSON – On May 14, 2026, the Franciscans of the Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe and the Most Rev. Joseph R. Kopacz, Bishop of the Diocese of Jackson, placed Rev. Hilary Brzezinski, OFM, pastor of St. Francis Parish, Greenwood, and its mission parishes, on administrative leave pending the outcome of civil, criminal, and church investigations involving allegations of misconduct.
After a preliminary investigation, the Franciscans and the Diocese concluded claims of misconduct against Rev. Brzezinski warranted further investigation. The Franciscan and Diocesan protocols require an accused priest to be placed on leave and removed from ministry pending a complete investigation.
The Franciscans and the Diocese of Jackson are committed to protecting the dignity of the human person. Misconduct by church personnel violates human dignity and the mission of the Church. We are committed to ensuring that all being served by the Church are not at risk of abuse, physical, psychological, sexual or otherwise, by Church personnel. The spiritual well-being of all victims, their families, and others in the community is of ultimate concern to the Church.
The Diocese urges anyone who has information about this situation, or who has been a victim of abuse by Rev. Brzezinski, or by any other church personnel, to contact our victim assistance coordinator, Jenifer Jenkins (601) 960-8471.
For more than twenty years, the Diocese of Jackson has developed and implemented a safe environment program. Both the Franciscans and the Diocese have publicized standards of conduct for priests and deacons, as well as diocesan employees, volunteers, and any other church personnel in positions of trust who have regular contact with minors and vulnerable adults.
For more information about Diocesan policies and procedures, visit our website at: https://www.jacksondiocese.org/child-protection.