VICKSBURG – More than 300 youth from across the Diocese of Jackson gathered March 20-22 for the Diocesan Catholic Youth Conference (DCYC) at the Vicksburg Convention Center, embracing the theme “Rise Up.” The weekend featured keynote presentations, small group sessions, games, Mass, Reconciliation, Adoration and a high-energy concert with Catholic hip-hop artist Joe Melendrez and DJ Code.
“This weekend is about helping our young people encounter Christ in a real and personal way and giving them the confidence to rise up and live their faith,” said Abbey Schuhmann, diocesan coordinator for the Office of Youth Ministry.
The conference concluded with Mass celebrated by Bishop Joseph Kopacz and the presentation of the Bishop Chanche Youth Service Awards to 12 youth from around the diocese.
Can you solve it?
Youth react during a group game at DCYC, using emoji clues to identify moments from Scripture. Can you solve the emoji clue above?Bishop Joseph Kopacz is pictured with Bishop Chanche Youth Award recipients, from left, Cheyenne Vrbicky of Holy Cross, Phildelphia; Jessie Torres of Sacred Heart, Greenville; Gabriel Theunissen of St. Joseph, Greenville; Edwin Sebastian of St. Michael, Forest; Amenia Rozzelle of St. Alphonsus, McComb; James Ross of St. Joseph, Meridian; Dori Paczak of St. Jude, Pearl; Arely Gomez of St. Patrick, Meridian; Alexander Glass of St. Francis, Madison; Kameron Fox of Holy Ghost, Jackson; Hayden Bell of St. Paul, Vicksburg; and Anna Christine Antici of St. Joseph, Gluckstadt.
COLUMBUS – Annunciation student Weston Thomas tries to catch a snowflake during a surprise snowfall in Columbus on March 16. (Photo by April Moore)NATCHEZ – Cathedral first-grade students Caroline Hall and Connor Ryan paint rainbows with a pot of gold during an art lesson with local artist Kate Lee Laird. (Photo by Brandi Boles)JACKSON – Students in Ms. Riley’s PreK3 class participate in an airport-themed lesson, claiming tickets, passing through “TSA” and boarding a classroom “flight” as part of a transportation unit. (Photo by Celeste Saucier)SOUTHAVEN – Sacred Heart PK4 student Evo smiles while planting a flower in the school garden. (Photo by Sister Margaret Sue Broker)MADISON – Noah Harris, a seventh-grader at St. Joseph School, prepares the ground for new plants. Harris and other Bruin tennis players spent part of April 4 sprucing up flower beds on campus.St. Joseph student journalists pose with awards earned at the Mississippi Scholastic Press Association spring 2026 convention at the University of Mississippi. The group won 26 awards, including high school Newscast of the Year for “Bruin News Now” and middle school Newscast of the Year for “JV Bruin News Now.” Back row (l-r): John Harris, Davis Hammond, Mary Alice Foster, Ellery Skipper and Addison Olier; fourth row: Liv Hager, Ashleigh Mason, Alex Hood, Branson Payne and Robert Ostrenga; third row: Calese White, McKenzie Cummings and Noah Sanders; second row: Jason Buckley, Reid Hager and Sawyer Helms; front row: Audrey Young and Thierry Freeman. (Photos by Terry Cassreino)CLINTON – Liam Gonzalez-Miranda and Adam Martino Jr. collect eggs with Father Lincoln Dall during the Holy Savior Easter egg hunt on March 29. (Photo by Jessica Martino)PEARL – Father César Sánchez washes the feet of parishioners during the Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord’s Supper at St. Jude on April 2. Altar server Olinsser Villafranca collects towels. (Photo by Tereza Ma)JACKSON – St. Richard School second-graders Marilee Nelson, Winn Nicholas and Leland Parkinson participate in the school’s “Living Stations,” a long-standing Holy Week tradition. (Photo by Celeste Saucier)YAZOO CITY – Children at St. Mary’s Catholic Church learn to make crosses from palms distributed at Palm Sunday Mass. (Photo by Babs McMaster)JACKSON – Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz speaks with E’Mori King, Morghan Pryor and Keelan King – students from Holy Family School in Holly Springs attending Chrism Mass at the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle.Chancellor and archivist Mary Woodward speaks to sixth-grade students from Catholic schools across the Diocese of Jackson about the history of the diocese and the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle following the Chrism Mass on March 31.Students from Annunciation Catholic School gather before attending the Chrism Mass on March 31 and greet former principal Joni House. (Photos by Tereza Ma)
By Junno Arocho Esteves (OSV News) – Pope Leo XIV paid tribute to Pope Francis and called on Catholics to follow the late pontiff’s example in proclaiming the truth in a troubled world.
Addressing pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square April 6, the pope remembered his predecessor “who, on Easter Monday of last year, returned to the Lord.”
“As we recall his profound witness of faith and love, let us pray together to the Virgin Mary, Seat of Wisdom, that we may become ever more radiant heralds of the truth,” Pope Leo said before praying the “Regina Caeli” prayer.
Pope Francis died April 21, 2025, just one day after delivering what would be his final Easter Sunday “urbi et orbi” blessing.
In his address, Pope Leo recalled the day’s Gospel reading, which gave the dual accounts of the women who encountered the risen Christ and the guards who accepted a bribe in exchange for publicly denying the resurrection.
Pope Leo XIV smiles while leading the “Regina Caeli” prayer in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican April 6, 2026. Pope Leo paid tribute to Pope Francis and called on Catholics to follow the late pontiff’s example in proclaiming the truth in a troubled world. (OSV News photo/Elisabetta Trevisan, Vatican Media)
The two contrasting narratives, he explained, are an invitation to reflect “on the value of Christian witness and the integrity of human communication.”
“Often, the proclamation of truth is obscured by what we today call ‘fake news’ – lies, insinuations, and unfounded accusations. Yet, in the face of such obstacles, the truth does not remain hidden; rather, it comes forth to meet us, living and radiant, illuminating even the deepest darkness.”
Like he told the women at the tomb, Jesus calls on Christians not to be afraid and to announce the good news of his resurrection.
“The Passover of the Lord is our Passover – the Passover of all humanity – for this man who died for us is the Son of God, who gave his life for us,” the pope said. “Just as the risen One, ever living and present, frees the past from a destructive end, so the Easter proclamation redeems our future from the tomb.”
Pope Leo emphasized the importance of the Gospel’s reach to “those oppressed by the evil that corrupts history and confuses consciences,” particularly those “afflicted by war, of Christians persecuted for their faith, of children deprived of an education.”
“To proclaim the Paschal mystery of Christ in both word and deed means to give a new voice to hope – a hope otherwise stifled by the hands of the violent. Wherever it is proclaimed, the Good News sheds light upon every shadow, in every age,” the pope said.
After praying with the faithful, Pope Leo expressed his gratitude for the prayers from those who “have sent me messages of good wishes for Easter during these days.”
“I hope you spend this Easter Monday and these days of the Easter Octave – during which we continue to celebrate Christ’s Resurrection – in joy and faith,” he said. “Let us continue to pray for the gift of peace for the whole world.”
(Junno Arocho Esteves is an international correspondent for OSV News. Follow him on X @jae_journalist.)
By Staff Reports SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Women who are discerning a call to religious life as Dominican Sisters are invited to Mr. Lincoln’s Hometown in June for a national event hosted by the Springfield Dominican Sisters.
Applications are being received now, and up to fifteen women will be selected for participation in the event, scheduled for June 16-20. The group will live at Sacred Heart Convent and experience the rhythms of apostolic religious life, which includes community life, prayer, active service, and theological reflection. Any single Catholic woman age 20-45 who would like to participate is encouraged to apply at springfieldop.org/events.
Local non-profit organizations will provide sites for service activities.
Three additional congregations of Dominican Sisters are also participating: The Dominican Sisters of Adrian, Mich., the Dominican Sisters of Sinsinawa, Wis., and the Dominican Sisters of Peace, Columbus, Ohio, are co-sponsoring the project. Vocation ministers from each congregation will be present to the participants and animate group activities. Vocation ministers are those who accompany women discerning God’s call to religious life.
“Springfield is a perfect place to give women a taste of the foundations of Dominican life: community life, prayer, study, and preaching, or service.” said Sister Denise Glazik, OP, minister of vocation accompaniment for the Springfield Dominican Sisters. “Our senior sisters at the motherhouse are gracious and welcoming, and the city is home to some stellar nonprofit organizations that will provide a wonderful immersion experience for participants.
“All single Catholic women, 20-45 are welcome to apply – but do it soon!” Sister Denise added. There is a limit to the number of participants who can come.
The $50 participation fee should not be a barrier for any applicant. Scholarships will be available for those who need them.
Why Dominican Life? The Dominican Sisters hosting the 2026 Summer Immersion Experience are part of a worldwide Dominican family, the Order of Preachers. For more than 800 years, Dominicans have preached the Gospel in word and deed. Today, thousands of Dominican sisters, nuns, priests, brothers, associates and laity minister in more than 100 countries around the world. To learn more about the U.S. Dominicans visit dominicansistersconference.org.
ROME – Boxes containing the collected works and testimonies for the cause of Sister Thea Bowman are opened at the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints on March 18.
On March 18, the Diocese of Jackson received confirmation that Sister Thea’s boxes had arrived at the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints and were officially opened by dicastery officials as part of a studium (class) teaching canon law students about the canonization process. Sister Thea is still teaching even in death.
Normally, it takes several months after arrival for the boxes to be scheduled for an official opening, but Sister Thea’s boxes arrived and two weeks later they are open.
The next step is to receive a decree of validity from the dicastery, which verifies that all the documents are in order and the process has been followed. Once this decree is received by our postulator, Emanuele Spedicato, the hard work of writing the “positio” or position paper will begin in earnest.
Brother Mickey McGrath, OSFS, with the boxes containing his paintings of Sister Thea Bowman, which were sent to Rome to support her cause for canonization. Below is a a sketch he completed during the Mass for Sister Thea’s cause for canonization at the Cathedral of St. Peter in Jackson on Feb. 9, 2026. (Photos courtesy of Brother Mickey McGrath)
By Francesca Pollio Fenton (EWTN News) – Nearly 30 years ago, Brother Mickey McGrath, OSFS, an award-winning artist, found himself in a hospital room as his father battled colon cancer. One afternoon he came across a magazine and in it was the last interview with Servant of God Sister Thea Bowman – an African American woman who challenged the Church in the 20th century to confront its history of racial exclusion and to embrace Black Catholics through her work as a scholar, teacher and speaker.
“I had never heard of the woman in my life, but I read this article right there on the spot and I thought, ‘Wow, she was something. How did I miss her all this time,’” McGrath told EWTN News.
“Music was at the very heart of her whole ministry,” he added. “And so, that struck me too as an artist, that she was using her artistic gifts to advance her spirit.”
One year later, McGrath welcomed a couple of brothers into his home who were preparing to take their final vows. Together they watched a video on Bowman that left him “energized and inspired.”
“The next morning, I got up and started painting and I didn’t stop for two weeks,” he said. “And in two weeks’ time I had nine paintings in a style very different from anything I had ever done before … It was like I was touching things that were already deep in me, you know, spiritually, but I didn’t have access to.” Now McGrath has 47 paintings inspired by Bowman that have been packaged into boxes and sent to Rome for review to advance her cause for canonization.
The diocesan phase of Bowman’s cause for canonization was officially closed by the Diocese of Jackson, on Feb. 9. McGrath attended the Mass for this occasion, which was celebrated by Bishop Joseph Kopacz and held in the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle in Jackson. He called it a “truly wonderful event.”
Reflecting on his paintings, McGrath said one stands out among the rest: a painting titled “This Little Light of Mine.” A painting from his first nine paintings inspired by Bowman – which he calls “the spirituals” – this painting depicts Bowman in a green habit holding a monstrance up in the air. He explained that it connects the classic song with “the light of Christ.”
McGrath shared that Bowman continues to provide Catholics with an important message today: “We’re all made in the image and likeness of God, and that’s got to be preeminent.”
Bowman, born in 1937, was a trailblazing Catholic sister, educator, and evangelist. A member of the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, she converted to Catholicism as a child and later became one of the most compelling advocates for Black Catholic spirituality in the United States.
With a gift for storytelling, Bowman traveled the country speaking, singing, and teaching – urging the Church to embrace the cultural gifts of African American Catholics.
In 1989, despite battling cancer, Bowman addressed the U.S. bishops with a now-famous speech that blended gospel song, humor and a prophetic call for unity. Her witness left a lasting impression, and in 2018 her cause for canonization was formally opened by the Diocese of Jackson, giving her the title “servant of God.”
(This article is reprinted with permission from EWTN News. Visit bromickeymcgrath.com for more on the artwork of Brother Mickey McGrath.)
GREENWOOD – Locus Benedictus, Inner Healing Retreat, April 25 from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Details: (662) 299-1232.
HOLLY SPRINGS – Catholic Parishes of Northwest MS, Ladies Group Retreat, Saturday, April 25 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Gregory House, with a talk by Sisters Leonora and Susan. Sign up by April 19. Details: church office (662) 342-1073.
PILGRMAGE – Travel with Father Carlisle Beggerly to Italy/Greece, Oct. 7-20, 2026. Cost: $5,999 per person. Details: Contact Proximo Travel (855-842-8001) or visit proximotravel.com (enter Fr. Carlisle in search box).
Travel with Father Raju Macherla to Portugal, Spain and France, July 6-17, 2026. Cost: $5,500 per person (sharing room), with departure from Memphis. Details: visit https://bit.ly/4efWoql.
PARISH & YOUTH EVENTS FLOWOOD – St. Paul, Calling all Catholic Homeschoolers! We are forming a Catholic Homeschool co-op, join us for Mass and an interest meeting, Friday, May 1 at 10 a.m. Bring lunch for your family for a picnic following Mass. Details: lumenmundihs@gmail.com.
GREENWOOD – Immaculate Heart of Mary, CYO Bingo Night Fundraiser, Wednesday, April 22, in the parish center. Games at 6 p.m., doors open at 5:30 p.m. Cost: $40 at the door for one card for all 10 games. $5 burger meals available. Details: office (662) 453-3980.
HERNANDO – Holy Spirit, Annual Yard Sale, Friday, April 24 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, April 25 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Details: Tena at (901) 598-7927.
JACKSON – St. Richard, Special Kids Art Show, Thursday, April 23 from 6-7:30 p.m. in Foley Hall. Details: call (601) 366-2335.
MADISON – St. Francis, Luella and Floyd Q. Doolittle Golf Tournament, Friday, May 8 at Whisper Lake Country Club. Fun costests begin at noon and a shotgun start at 1 p.m. An awards presentation and a home-cooked meal by KC 9543 will take place in the clubhouse after all participants have cleared the course. Details: Tunney at (601) 622-4145 or tunneyv1@icloud.com.
St. Francis of Assisi, Cajun Fest, Sunday, May 17 from 12-4 p.m. Details: church office (601) 856-5556.
CORRECTION Lewis and Dinah Slay of Sacred Heart parish in Greenville are recipients of the Bishop Chanche Medal for Service this year. The couple were inadvertently left off the list in the last edition of Mississippi Catholic. We apologize for the error.
A view of Earth, partially hidden by the moon, is photographed through the Orion spacecraft window at 6:40 p.m. EDT (22:40 GMT) April 6, 2026, just four minutes before the Orion spacecraft and its crew went behind the moon and lost contact with Earth for 40 minutes before emerging on the other side during the Artemis II crew’s flyby of the moon. (OSV News photo/NASA handout via Reuters)
NATION HOUSTON (OSV News) – As the astronauts of NASA’s first crewed lunar flyby in half a century reached their closest approach to the moon, the team’s pilot reminded the Earth of Jesus Christ’s command to love both God and neighbor. “As we get close to the nearest point to the moon and farthest point from Earth, … I would like to remind you of one of the most important mysteries there on Earth, and that’s love,” said astronaut Victor Glover, pilot of the Artemis II mission, speaking to ground control April 6 from aboard NASA’s Orion spacecraft Integrity. “Christ said, in response to what was the greatest command, that it was to love God with all you are,” said Glover. “And he also, being a great teacher, said the second is equal to it. And that is to love your neighbor as yourself.” The call for unity by Glover, who has spoken publicly about his Christian faith, took on an immediate urgency as the crew faced a 40-minute communication lapse with ground control April 6, when the spacecraft passed behind the moon, blocking signals. Moments before the loss of signal – which ended as scheduled, with the crew safely emerging on a homeward bound trajectory – Glover said, “As we prepare to go out of radio communication … to all of you down there on Earth and around Earth, we love you from the moon.”
VATICAN CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy (OSV News) – Pope Leo XIV asked all people of goodwill to search always for peace and not violence, in a tacit rebuke of President Donald Trump’s threat that a “whole civilization will die tonight” if Iran does not make a deal by 8 p.m. EDT on April 7. Without naming Trump, Pope Leo called the threat “truly unacceptable,” addressing it as a moral question that affects the good of an entire people. He added that he wanted to remind all involved that “attacks on civilian infrastructure is against international law.” Such attacks, he added, are a sign of “the hatred, the division and the destruction that the human being is capable of.” “And we all want to work for peace, people want peace,” Pope Leo said. “I would invite the citizens of all the countries involved to contact the authorities, political leaders, congressmen, to, ask them, tell them to work for peace and to reject war.” Earlier April 7, in a post on his social media website, Truth Social, Trump said, “A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again. I don’t want that to happen, but it probably will.” Pope Leo said that due to the Iran war, which “many people have said is an unjust war,” there is “a worldwide economic crisis, energy crisis,” and a “situation in the Middle East of great instability, which is only provoking more hatred throughout the world.” He said, “Let’s talk, let’s look for solutions in a peaceful way.”
WORLD LOURDES, France (OSV News) – After 17 years at the helm of Lourdes’ medical investigations, Italian American physician Alessandro de Franciscis retired as head of the sanctuary’s Office of Medical Observations. He will be succeeded by Italian surgeon Giada Monami, who will become the first woman to hold the post. Appointed in 2009 as the first non-French chief physician, de Franciscis oversaw the rigorous evaluation of reported healings at the Marian shrine. “Our role as doctors is solely to determine whether a person has been cured, and whether that cure is unexplained given the current state of scientific knowledge,” he said, noting that the Church alone judges miracles. Since 1883, tens of thousands of healings have been reported at Lourdes, but only a fraction undergo detailed review. Strict criteria require verified diagnosis, sudden and lasting recovery, and extensive follow-up. Of roughly 8,000 recorded cases since 1858, just 72 have been recognized as miracles. De Franciscis, the bureau’s 15th physician, said five miracles were confirmed during his tenure.
