JACKSON – Rev. Samuel J. Messina, a priest of the Diocese of Jackson for 60 years, died Aug. 1, 2025, in Jackson, Miss., at age 86, just days before his 87th birthday.
He was born in 1938 in Grenada, Miss., to John V. and Mary T. Messina. He attended St. Joseph Seminary/College in Covington, La., and the Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus, Ohio. He was ordained to the priesthood on May 29, 1965, and celebrated his first solemn Mass on June 6, 1965, at St. Peter Catholic Church in Grenada.

Father Messina served Catholic congregations across Mississippi as parochial vicar, pastor, director of the diaconate, dean and chaplain. His assignments included Sacred Heart of Jesus, Hattiesburg; St. Michael, Vicksburg; St. Joseph, Greenville; St. Teresa of Avila, Chatawa; Immaculate Conception, West Point; Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Natchez; St. Joseph, Port Gibson; Mercy Hospital, McAuley Retirement Home and Mercy Sisters, Vicksburg; All Saints, Belzoni; Our Mother of Mercy Mission, Anguilla; St. Mary, Batesville; and St. John the Baptist Mission, Sardis.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Joseph; and his sisters Katherine, Rose and Teresa. Survivors include his sister, Mary; and nieces and nephews Judith Anne, John Paul, Joseph, Doug, Brian, Rita, Diane, Michael, Maria, Connie, Ray and John, as well as several great-nieces and nephews.
A visitation, rosary and Mass of Christian Burial were held Aug. 17-18 at McKibben and Guinn Funeral Home and St. Peter Catholic Church in Grenada. Bishop Joseph Kopacz was the main celebrant.

FEATURE PHOTOS: … Anniversary blessings to Father Jeffrey Waldrep and Father Sam Messina …