Author Archives: Mississippi Catholic

Diocesan seminarians witness history in Rome

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By Madelyn Johnson
JACKSON – Grayson Foley and EJ Martin, seminarians for the Diocese of Jackson currently studying at Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans, planned their pilgrimage to Italy months in advance. What they didn’t realize was that their visit would become a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

The two were called to join the Pilgrimage of Hope through Rome. After booking their trip in February, they were shocked to learn that a new pope – Pope Leo – had been elected the day before their flight to Rome.

VATICAN CITY – Circled above, seminarians EJ Martin and Grayson Foley of the Diocese of Jackson are pictured among those who served during the Inaugural Mass of Pope Leo XIV in St. Peter’s Square, Vatican City, on May 18, 2025. The historic liturgy drew more than 200,000 worshipers, along with global dignitaries, clergy and pilgrims from around the world. (Photo by Julia Mineeva/EGBN TV News/Alamy Live News/Alamy Stock Photo)

While in Rome, Grayson and EJ visited with other seminarians at the Pontifical North American College and spent time with Grayson’s older brother, Sterling Foley, a seminarian with the Legionaries of Christ based at their House of Formation in Rome. The trio toured the city and visited all four major basilicas, walking through each Holy Door during this Jubilee Year.

“We went through all of the basilicas’ Holy Doors, continuously praying for the people back home in Mississippi and those who made the trip possible,” said Grayson Foley.

Shortly after their arrival, news broke that the Installation Mass for Pope Leo XIV – the first American pope – would take place on May 18. The seminarians were faced with a choice: should they stay and serve at the historic Mass? The answer was clear – yes.

Thanks to the hospitality of the Legionaries of Christ seminarians, tickets were secured for EJ, Grayson, and Grant Caillouet, a seminarian from the Diocese of Baton Rouge, to assist with the distribution of Communion during the Installation Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica. Approximately 200,000 people were in attendance. They were seated to the right of the altar and remained there until the Creed.

“During the Creed of the Mass, we were shuffled back into the adoration chapel within St. Peter’s,” Grayson recalled. “As EJ and I walked into the gigantic empty St. Peter’s, it was the part within the Creed when the words, ‘Et unam, sanctam, catholicam et apostolicam Ecclesiam’ are chanted – which translates to ‘And (I believe in) one holy, Catholic and apostolic church.’ This amazing sight of the Church of St. Peter and how foundational that spot is for the church brought tears to my eyes, but I had to keep it together because we were about to distribute Communion.”

Each seminarian was given 100 hosts to distribute to the crowd of thousands attending the historic Mass. They moved into the crowd calling out “Corpus Christi!” as they gave the Eucharist to the faithful.

“EJ is tall with long arms and he distributed Communion to as many as he could,” said his mother, Dana Martin, who witnessed the event via livestream. “There were barriers holding people behind the pathway and EJ kept pushing through the crowd with Communion – Corpus Christi! Corpus Christi! Corpus Christi!”
After they finished distributing the hosts, the crowd separated them. Grayson found his way back inside St. Peter’s and witnessed Pope Leo greeting dignitaries from around the world, including the King and Queen of Spain.

From left, seminarians EJ Martin and Grayson Foley, both of the Diocese of Jackson, and Sterling Foley of the Legionaries of Christ in Rome, share a moment together in St. Peter’s Square amid the crowds. (Photo courtesy of Laura Foley)

EJ reflected, “Being so close to the installation of the first American pope was incredible. Praying with Jesus in my hands in an empty St. Peter’s was incredible. But the most incredible part was distributing Communion to the people. How joyful they were to receive Jesus at that Mass. These people had probably been waiting five-plus hours for this opportunity. Such a blessed experience – one I will never forget.”

EJ and Grayson were honored to be part of such a profound moment in church history and are thankful to all who supported them in making the pilgrimage possible. As they continue their formation for the priesthood with the Diocese of Jackson, they carry with them the joy of having served Christ and His church in the heart of St. Peter’s – an experience that deepened their call and strengthened their commitment to serve God’s people.

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

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Father Jeffrey Waldrep celebrated his 35th anniversary of ordination on Sunday, June 22, surrounded by family and friends at Annunciation parish in Columbus. Pictured from left in the first photo are Archbishop Shelton Fabre (Archdiocese of Louisville), Father Waldrep, and Bishop Joseph Kopacz. At center, Father Sam Messina vests Father Waldrep on his ordination day, June 16, 1990 at Immaculate Conception parish in West Point. At right, Father Messina shares a smile during his 60th anniversary celebration at St. Catherine’s Village in Madison on June 4, 2025, joined by friends, family and fellow clergy – including longtime friend Father Waldrep. (Photos by Rhonda Bowden, center from archives)

More photos from Father Jeffrey Waldrep’s Celebration

More photos from Father Sam Messina’s Celebration

Pope accepts resignation of Mobile archbishop, names St. Louis auxiliary as successor

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By Gina Christian
MOBILE, Ala. (OSV News) – The Archdiocese of Mobile, Alabama, will welcome a new shepherd, as Pope Leo XIV has accepted the resignation of Archbishop Thomas J. Rodi and appointed Auxiliary Bishop Mark S. Rivituso of St. Louis as his successor.

The resignation and appointment were announced in Washington July 1 by Cardinal Christophe Pierre, the apostolic nuncio to the U.S.

Archbishop Rodi, 76, had submitted his resignation to the pope in March 2024 upon reaching his 75th birthday, as required by canon law.

The archbishop, who has served in his current see for more than 17 years, will continue as apostolic administrator of the Mobile Archdiocese until the installation of now-Archbishop Rivituso.

Archbishop Rivituso’s installation Mass is set to take place Sept. 3 at the Cathedral-Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Mobile at 11 a.m.

Archbishop Rodi hailed the appointment of his successor, saying in a July 1 statement he was “most grateful to the Holy Father for sending us this outstanding bishop.”

“Every time I have an opportunity to truly serve others, that’s always a blessing,” Archbishop Rivituso said at a Mobile news conference about his appointment. “This is a wonderful opportunity with the Catholic faith community and other partners of goodwill. I hope to work together for the greater good, to especially be mindful of the poor, those who are marginalized, those who are suffering, those who are in need.”

“There’s been a recent precedent of welcoming Midwesterners to our universal church with Pope Leo to Chicago,” he continued. “I appreciate you are faithful to that precedent and welcoming this Midwesterner from St. Louis to be part of this archdiocese.”

“I will say I have already been won over by your Southern charm and hospitality. I feel a sense of belonging. … I do feel at home in ‘Sweet Home Alabama,’” he added, referencing a popular song.
Archbishop Rivituso, 63, a St. Louis native and the sixth of eight children, has ministered extensively throughout the St. Louis Archdiocese and has served as its vicar general since 2011.

A graduate of Cardinal Glennon College and Kenrick Seminary, both in St. Louis, he earned a licentiate in canon and civil law from St. Paul University in Ottawa, Ontario.

His 1988 priestly ordination in St. Louis foreshadowed a future connection to Mobile: The late Archbishop John L. May, who ordained him, had led the Alabama archdiocese prior to his St. Louis appointment.
He has long experience in prison and death-row ministry – an issue particularly relevant to Alabama, which carried out the first-ever nitrogen gas execution in the U.S. in 2024. Archbishop Rivituso advocated for the end of capital punishment in Missouri and has worked with Catholic Mobilizing Network in death penalty abolition efforts.

“The late Pope Francis really taught me about making sure that we’re mindful of those who are on the peripheries,” he told the St. Louis Review in an interview published July 1. “I feel like that’s always something that’s going to be important in my heart and ministry. The church is so blessed to be involved in the works of compassion, and I think that’s where we truly live what Jesus has called us to do about living his works of mercy.”

At the press conference, Archbishop Rivituso said, “I am blessed. … I will labor with the shepherding love of Jesus for all of you because I want to love you as Christ loves. I want to do what I can to lift each other up so we live out the goodness of our life and just know that we’re here for each other.”

(Gina Christian is a multimedia reporter for OSV News. Follow her on X @GinaJesseReina. Contributing to this was Rob Herbst, editor of The Catholic Week, news outlet of the Archdiocese of Mobile.)

Called by Name

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Editor’s note: This month’s Called by Name column is written by seminarian Grayson Foley, who is stepping in for Father Nick Adam, director of vocations for the Diocese of Jackson, this month. Please continue praying for our seminarians and that others may hear and respond to God’s call.

The excitement in the air at Notre Dame Seminary wasn’t just because finals were wrapping up and everyone was ready for summer. As the May days continued, we knew it was only a matter of time before white smoke rose from the chimney in Rome.

I was in my room and thought my seminarian brother was pranking me when he ran by yelling, “White smoke!” I felt like Thomas in disbelief – until I heard the bells. As I ran downstairs to see that there was a new pope, I was filled with both excitement and a small wish that the election had taken place just a bit later – only because I was flying to Rome the next day.

That next day couldn’t come fast enough. EJ Martin and I were filled with anticipation for the trip we had planned months before. God had a wonderful plan for us. A new pope had been elected just a day before our trip, and I would get to see all of my seminarian brothers studying in Rome, visit my older brother Sterling, walk the streets of the Eternal City – and see the newly elected pope.
It was my first time flying to Europe, and that alone was exciting enough. But the Lord was ready to shower me with so many more blessed opportunities.

Grayson Foley, seminarian

We stayed with two different seminary communities in Rome, ate lots of gelato, walked through the Holy Doors of all four major basilicas for the Jubilee Year, drank lots of espresso, visited an incredible number of churches, went on the Scavi Tour and saw where the bones of St. Peter lie under the basilica – and in the same week, had the blessed opportunity not only to serve at the pope’s inauguration Mass but to distribute Communion for it.

Some of the brothers in my older brother’s religious order gave up their tickets so that EJ, Grant Caillouet (a seminarian for the Diocese of Baton Rouge), and I could serve at the first public Mass of the first American pope.

It was an amazing experience, but the most moving part was walking through the doors of an empty St. Peter’s Basilica during the Creed to pick up the ciboria filled with hosts – as 20,000 Catholics behind me chanted, “Et unam, sanctam, catholicam et apostolicam Ecclesiam.” (“And [I believe in] one holy, Catholic and apostolic church.”)

That moment made me feel, in the heart of my heart, that I was truly a part of the mystical body of Christ – bigger than myself – and I was completely humbled to be able to participate as a servant in that way.
As we finished our trip to Europe, I had a relatively quick turnaround to good ole Oxford, Mississippi.

Serving the people of God here in Oxford, working alongside Father Mark Shoffner, and getting to know all the parishioners and college students has been an absolute blessing. I have learned so much this summer and have grown to love the people of this diocese even more.

I can’t wait to see what the Lord has in store as I continue on the path of love.

Grayson Foley, seminarian

Pope at Angelus: Be a laborer in the field of mission

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By Francesca Merlo
(Vatican Media) – Addressing the faithful gathered for his Sunday Angelus on July 6, Pope Leo offered a reflection on the missionary nature of the church, grounded in the Gospel of Luke.

The pope focused his reflection on Jesus’ sending out of 72 disciples, an act which, he explained, represents the universal scope of the Gospel. “The hope of the Gospel is meant for all peoples,” he said, adding that this reflects “the breadth of God’s heart and the abundance of His harvest.”

However, Pope Leo continued in quoting Jesus: “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few.” He explained that while the world may seem overwhelmed by distractions and noise, people today still “yearn for a greater truth,” seek justice, and carry within themselves “a longing for eternal life.”

He described God as a sower who has generously gone out and sown in people’s hearts “a desire for the infinite, for a fulfilled life and for salvation that sets us free.” Despite this, there are few who are able “to distinguish, with the eyes of Jesus, the good grain that is ripe for harvesting.”

Rescuers paddle an inflatable boat as they search along a waterway in the aftermath of deadly flooding in Kerrville, Texas, July 6, 2025. At least 82 people are dead and at least 41 more are missing after devastating flash floods slammed the Texas Hill Country, with water rescues taking place along the Guadalupe River, which rose rapidly early July 4 to the height of a two-story building. Among the missing were almost a dozen from Camp Mystic in Kerr County, a children’s summer camp, officials said July 6. (OSV News photo/Marco Bello, Reuters)

– Be a laborer of faith –
The pope warned that faith should not become “merely an external label.” What the church and the world need are not occasional participants but “laborers who are eager to work in the mission field, loving disciples who bear witness to the Kingdom of God in all places.”

He acknowledged that there may be many “intermittent Christians who occasionally act upon some religious feeling or participate in sporadic events,” but there are far fewer who are ready “on a daily basis, to labor in God’s harvest.”

Pope Leo stressed that this mission does not require “too many theoretical ideas about pastoral plans.” Instead, he said, “we need to pray to the Lord of the harvest.” Giving priority to one’s relationship with the Lord and cultivating dialogue with Him, he added, allows people to become true labourers, ready to be sent “into the field of the world to bear witness to His Kingdom.”

At the end of his Angelus address, Pope Leo greeted those from around the world who had come to St. Peter’s Square, saying “in the great heat of this time of year, your journey to pass through the Holy Doors is even more courageous and admirable!”

He also expressed his condolences and assured his prayers for those suffering through the flooding in Texas.

“I would like to express sincere condolences to all the families who have lost loved ones, in particular their daughters, who were at the summer camp, in the disaster caused by flooding of the Guadalupe river in Texas in the United States,” he said. “We pray for them.”

And he called for peace, requesting that all people “ask the Lord to touch the hearts and inspire the minds of those who govern, that the violence of weapons be replaced by the pursuit of dialogue.”

(Reprinted with permission by Vatican Media. OSV News contributed to this report.)

President Trump signs ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ into law July 4

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By Kate Scanlon
WASHINGTON (OSV News) – President Donald Trump on July 4 signed a reconciliation bill enacting much of his legislative agenda on taxes and immigration during an Independence Day ceremony at the White House.

“Our country has had so much to celebrate this Independence Day as we enter our 249th year. America’s winning, winning, winning like never before,” Trump said in comments at the ceremony.

“We have officially made the Trump tax cuts permanent,” he added. “That’s the largest tax cut in the history of our country. … After this kicks in, our country is going to be a rocket ship, economically.”
Previously, the U.S. House on July 3 approved the One Big Beautiful Bill Act in a 218-214 vote.

The Senate earlier approved the reconciliation package on July 1, after Trump urged them to do so by July 4.

Catholic leaders have alternately praised and criticized various provisions in the legislation. But in a July 1 action alert emailed to its supporters, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops ultimately said the bill “currently fails the poorest families.”

Only two Republicans – Reps. Thomas Massie, Ky., and Brian Fitzpatrick, Pa., – voted against the measure. Massie cited the bill’s projected increase to the national debt, while Fitzpatrick, who is Catholic, cited the way Medicaid cuts would impact his district.

The U.S. House Rules Committee meets after the Senate passed President Donald Trump’s sweeping spending and tax bill July 1, 2025. After House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., set a new House floor speech record in remarks objecting to GOP-backing of One Big Beautiful Bill Act July 3, the House passed the measure. (OSV News /Elizabeth Frantz, Reuters)

Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, USCCB president and head of the U.S. Archdiocese for the Military Services, said in a July 3 statement after the vote, that he and the bishops had “repeatedly and consistently” urged lawmakers to make sure the bill would help families in need and “to change course” on aspects “that fail the poor and vulnerable.”

“The final version of the bill includes unconscionable cuts to healthcare and food assistance, tax cuts that increase inequality, immigration provisions that harm families and children, and cuts to programs that protect God’s creation,” Archbishop Broglio said. “The bill, as passed, will cause the greatest harm to those who are especially vulnerable in our society. As its provisions go into effect, people will lose access to healthcare and struggle to buy groceries, family members will be separated, and vulnerable communities will be less prepared to cope with environmental impacts of pollution and extreme weather.”

The USCCB president said, “More must be done to prevent these devastating effects.” He noted the church’s own teaching on human dignity and the common good compels it “to redouble our efforts and offer concrete help to those who will be in greater need and continue to advocate for legislative efforts that will provide better possibilities in the future for those in need.”

House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., said at a press conference following the vote, that Republicans “did not want to waste that opportunity” of having control of both chambers of Congress and the White House to enact Trump’s agenda.

“A lot of the estimations about what this legislation would do in a negative manner to communities in my state or any other are far overblown,” Johnson said when asked about criticism of the bill from faith groups in his state. “I can tell you that this bill is going to be a great thing for everybody around the country, my constituents, especially. What’s good for Louisiana is good for America.”

During his eight hour and 44 minute floor speech – part of a House procedure known as the “magic minute” where members in leadership can speak for as long as they please during “one minute” speeches without subtracting the extra time from the debate, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y said, “I rise today in strong opposition to Donald Trump’s disgusting abomination.”

Jeffries said the legislation “guts Medicaid, rips food from the mouths of children, seniors and veterans, and rewards billionaires with massive tax breaks.”

The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimated nearly 12 million people will lose health coverage under the legislation.

Ingrid Delgado, national director of public policy and advocacy for The Society of St. Vincent de Paul USA, told OSV News “such large cuts to the social safety net are really concerning, with how it’ll impact our most marginalized.”

“The Catholic Church approaches both access to food and health care as fundamental human rights,” Delgado said. “And so the people who access SNAP in our country and the people who access Medicaid are our most marginalized and poorest brothers and sisters.”

Delgado said cuts to those programs could lead to “more people who are uninsured, who don’t have food on their tables, and more people facing the risk of homelessness.”

The legislation will significantly increase funds for Immigration and Customs Enforcement, also known as ICE, and Customs and Border Patrol as the Trump administration seeks to implement its hardline immigration policies, including the mass deportation of immigrants lacking legal authorization to live and work in the U.S. It authorized about $150 billion in new spending for immigration and border enforcement. Prior to the bill’s passage, Vice President JD Vance touted immigration enforcement as the key reason he thought Congressional Republicans should approve the bill.

Others celebrated a provision in the legislation that would strip funds from Planned Parenthood for only one year – down from an original proposal of 10 years – with funding resumed thereafter.

Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, told OSV News the day before the House vote that “this is the possible culminating point of the first year where federal taxpayers are not forced to fund Big Abortion and that would be huge.”

In a fundraising pitch on its website, Planned Parenthood said the impact of the legislation “will be immediate and devastating.”

The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimated the legislation would increase the deficit by nearly $3.3 trillion from 2025 to 2034. The U.S. national debt currently stands at $36.2 trillion, and has downstream impacts on the rest of society.

A June 26 letter to senators from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops praised the provision that would strip funds from Planned Parenthood while opposing others that they said would raise taxes “on the working poor while simultaneously giving large tax cuts to the wealthiest.” The letter added, “Because of this, millions of poor families will not be able to afford life-saving healthcare and will struggle to buy food for their children. Some rural hospitals will likely close.” The bishops called these provisions “unconscionable and unacceptable.”

The same day 20 U.S. Catholic bishops signed onto an interfaith effort urging the Senate to reject the bill, citing cuts to nutrition assistance and Medicaid, and its impact on immigrants among other concerns, calling it “draconian” and a “moral failure.”

(Kate Scanlon is a national reporter for OSV News covering Washington. Follow her on X @kgscanlon.)

More online at Mississippi Catholic.com

Read how 20 U.S. bishops joined an interfaith effort calling the legislation a “moral failure” at: http://bit.ly/3ImH0e2

For an in-depth analysis on how the bill’s costs could hit the poor hardest, visit: http://bit.ly/46aZHeF

CSA feature: Mississippi Catholic

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For Joanna King, storytelling is more than a profession – it’s a ministry. As director of communications for the Diocese of Jackson and editor of Mississippi Catholic for the past six years, Joanna has used her talents to uplift voices of faith from every corner of the diocese.
Born in Jackson, Joanna’s Catholic roots run deep in Mississippi. After moving to Natchez as a child, her formative years were spent at St. Mary Catholic Church – now Basilica – and attending Cathedral School. “I was baptized, received First Communion, graduated from high school, and even got married at St. Mary’s,” she said.

Today, Joanna lives in Madison and attends St. Paul Catholic Church in Flowood with her husband, Justin, and their son, Chris. Her journey into ministry communications grew out of her early career in the nonprofit world, where she spent 13 years serving as a director of public relations and marketing – and often much more. “With a small staff, I was also a case manager, volunteer director, store manager, event coordinator – whatever was needed,” she said. “I worked with families in crisis, often providing the most basic necessities: food, clothing, shelter and a listening ear.”
That time had a lasting impact. “I spent a lot of time simply listening to people’s stories,” Joanna shared. “Their resilience and strength stayed with me and inspired me. That desire to tell meaningful stories ultimately led me to Mississippi Catholic.”
Joanna also sees communications as a way to unify the far-reaching parishes of the diocese. “Our diocese is geographically large, but Mississippi Catholic helps us stay connected,” she said. “It’s a blessing to help bridge those distances through stories that remind us we are one family in faith.”
Her role today allows her to continue that work of compassionate listening – now within the context of the Church. “Each story reveals how God is at work in ordinary – and extraordinary – ways across our diocese,” she said.
Since joining the diocese, Joanna has found that her ministry has deepened her own faith. “I definitely pray more,” she said. “I’m inspired every day by the faith of others across the diocese – it strengthens my relationship with God.”
One story in particular continues to move her: the tribute she wrote for Father Brian Kaskie, a beloved priest who passed away in 2021. “He was just out of seminary when he came to St. Mary’s in Natchez, and he made it seem cool to love Jesus. He was also a family friend, and re-reading that piece still makes me misty,” she said.
Joanna’s work – and the communication ministry she leads – is made possible in part by the Catholic Service Appeal. “To all who give, thank you. Your generosity makes ministry like ours possible,” she said. “If you’re considering a gift, know this: You’re helping tell the stories of our church, stories that bring people closer to Christ. That’s something truly special.”

Briefs

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NATION
SAN BERNADINO, Calif. (OSV News) – Amid concern over immigration enforcement raids in the area, the bishop of San Bernardino on July 8 issued a dispensation from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass for the faithful if they fear for their well-being. The Trump administration rescinded in January long-standing restrictions on arrests at sensitive locations, including houses of worship, schools and hospitals. The previous policy had exceptions for public safety or national security threats. Bishop Alberto Rojas wrote in a July 8 message to the faithful that “in light of the pastoral needs of our diocese and the concerns expressed by many of our brothers and sisters regarding fears of attending Mass due to potential immigration enforcement actions by civil authorities,” he would use his authority under canon law to dispense the obligation from those “who, due to genuine fear of immigration enforcement actions, are unable to attend Sunday Mass or Masses on holy days of obligation.” In May, the Diocese of Nashville, Tennessee, reminded the faithful that those with sincerely held fear about their well-being during immigration enforcement efforts are not required to attend Sunday Mass according to the church’s own teaching and canon law, but did not issue a formal dispensation.

WASHINGTON (OSV News) – The Catholic Church “maintains its stance of not endorsing or opposing political candidates,” said U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops spokesperson Chieko Noguchi, following a recent court case in which a longstanding federal ban against such activity appeared to have been partly relaxed. Noguchi issued the statement July 8, a day after the Internal Revenue Service agreed in a court filing that a house of worship addressing its congregation about electoral politics in the context of religious faith does not violate the Johnson Amendment. The law prohibits 501(c)(3) organizations – a type of tax-exempt nonprofit under U.S. tax code, and the typical corporate structure for churches, worship communities and charities in the nation – from engaging in political campaign activity. However, said Noguchi, “The IRS was addressing a specific case, and it doesn’t change how the Catholic Church engages in public debate.” She added, “The church seeks to help Catholics form their conscience in the Gospel so they might discern which candidates and policies would advance the common good.”

Piazza della Libertà is pictured from the Apostolic Palace in Castel Gandolfo, Italy, July 1, 2025, as the small town prepared for Pope Leo XIV’s first official visit for his customary July retreat. (CNS photo/Lola Gomez)

VATICAN
CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy (CNS) – After more than a decade without its most famous vacationer, the quiet town of Castel Gandolfo once again counts the pope among its summer residents. Pope Leo XIV became the 16th pope to reside in the papal summer residence when he moved there July 6, following the recitation of the Angelus in St. Peter’s Square. “This afternoon, I will travel to Castel Gandolfo, where I intend to have a short period of rest,” the pope told pilgrims gathered in the square. “I hope that everyone will be able to enjoy some vacation time in order to restore both body and spirit.” The tradition of popes escaping the summer heat of Rome for the cooler Alban Hills began with Pope Urban VIII in 1626. In 2016, Pope Francis converted the papal property into a museum, opening the villa and gardens to the public.

WORLD
BOGOTÁ, Colombia (OSV News) – Colombian authorities continued their search for Father Carlos Jaimes Guerrero, a 30-year-old Augustinian priest who vanished June 17 near Viotá, southwest of Bogotá. His truck was later found abandoned, engine running, with no sign of violence – and no trace of him. His family has pleaded publicly for his release, and locals have held vigils and prayers. The search comes amid national shock over another tragedy: on July 1, officials confirmed eight evangelical and Protestant missionaries, abducted in April by FARC dissidents in Guaviare, were found murdered and buried in a mass grave. Authorities say the guerrillas targeted the group to prevent rival groups from gaining influence. Church leaders warn armed groups and cartels continue to terrorize communities and especially target faith leaders. The Augustinians ask for prayers and cooperation as the investigation into Father Jaimes’ disappearance intensified. “Disappearances have always been part of the grave violences carried out by armed groups here, including those of religious people,” said theologian Heyner Hernández Díaz.

Calendar of Events

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SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT
CHATAWA – Our Lady of Hope, A Day of Hope and Healing with the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Friday, Aug. 15 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Enjoy talks by Father Patrick Gonyeau and Dr. Carol Razza, along with music, Mass, prayer, lunch and more. Details: register at www.OurLadyofHopeMS.com.
Servants of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Annual “Speak Lord I’m Listening” Retreat at Our Lady of Hope Retreat Center in Chatawa, July 25 at 7 p.m. through Sunday, July 27 at noon. Presenters Father Bill Henry and Jim Murphy will give techniques to pray and meditate on the scriptures. Cost: $350/person (includes all meals and private room); $275 for commuters. Details: contact Charlene at (601) 248-4310.

CLARKSDALE – St. Elizabeth, St. Faustina Relic Display and Presentation, Saturday, July 26. Event begins at 8:30 a.m. with breakfast followed by presentation by Jay Hastings, director of the Shrine of St. Faustine of The Divine Mercy in Memphis. He will lead prayer with first class relic of St. Faustina and speak about promises Jesus offers along with tools and avenues of grace from the Lord. Details: church office (662) 624-4301.

DIOCESE – Pastoral Ministries Workshop for parish leaders, Aug. 22-24 at Lake Tiak O’Khata in Louisville. Cost: $300/includes housing, meals and supplies. Details: email fran.lavelle@jacksondiocese.org.

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.

JACKSON – St. Richard, ChristLife: Discovering Christ, begins Wednesday, Sept. 10 and ends Oct. 22 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in Foley Hall. Retreat on Saturday, Oct. 11. Enjoy a delicious meal, listen to a dynamic teaching that helps people enter into or renew a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, experience the love of God the Father and be empowered by the Holy Spirit to live as God’s children and join in a small group discussion. Register at https://bit.ly/3HvRKGE. Details: call Tiffany at (601) 842-0151.

PARISH & YOUTH EVENTS
GREENVILLE – St. Joseph, Vacation Bible School, July 27-29 from 5:15-7 p.m. in the parish hall. Event is for K3 through fifth graders. Details: register at stjosephgreenville.org or contact church office (662) 335-5251.

HERNANDO – Holy Spirit, Fall Bazaar, Sept. 13 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sales, silent auction, raffles and more. Details: email julieastefanik@gmail.com.

HOLLY SPRINGS – St. Joseph, Potluck Fundraiser, Saturday, July 26 at 6 p.m. Please bring a dish to share. All are welcome! Details: church office (662) 985-3209.

MERIDIAN – St. Patrick/St. Joseph, Youth Retreat, July 26 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Pine Lake Fellowship Camp. Retreat is for grades fifth through seniors. Enjoy games, food, fellowship and boating. Details: email Kristen at kaugustine@stpatrickcatholicschool.org.

OLIVE BRANCH – Queen of Peace, Taco Sunday, Aug. 10 after 10 a.m. Mass. Enjoy four tacos (carne asada or chicken) and a drink for $10. Details: church office (662) 895-5007.

Queen of Peace, Blood Drive, Sunday, July 27 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Call 877-25-VITAL or visit donors.vitalant.org and use the code queenop to schedule your appointment.

SOUTHAVEN – Christ the King, Young Adults Fellowship Food and Fun Event, Tuesday, July 22 from 6:30-8 p.m. in the social hall. College age to mid 30s are welcome for a night of fellowship. Join us!

Christ the King, Cookie Social, Sunday, Aug. 3 after 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Masses. Details: church office (662) 342-1073.

Seminaristas diocesanos testifican historia en Roma

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Por Madelyn Johnson
JACKSON – Grayson Foley y EJ Martin, seminaristas de la Diócesis de Jackson que actualmente estudian en el Seminario Notre Dame de Nueva Orleans, planificaron su peregrinación a Italia con meses de antelación. Lo que no sabían era que su visita se convertiría en una experiencia única en la vida.

Los dos fueron llamados a unirse a la Peregrinación de la Esperanza por Roma. Después de reservar su viaje en febrero, se sorprendieron al saber que un nuevo papa, el papa León, había sido elegido el día antes de su vuelo a Roma.

CIUDAD DEL VATICANO – En la imagen superior, los seminaristas EJ Martin y Grayson Foley, de la diócesis de Jackson, aparecen entre los que participaron en la misa inaugural del papa León XIV en la plaza de San Pedro, en la Ciudad del Vaticano, el 18 de mayo de 2025. La histórica liturgia atrajo a más de 200.000 fieles, además de dignatarios, clérigos y peregrinos de todo el mundo. (Foto de Julia Mineeva/EGBN TV News/Alamy Live News/Alamy Stock Photo)

Durante su estancia en Roma, Grayson y EJ visitaron a otros seminaristas en el Pontificio Colegio Norteamericano y pasaron tiempo con el hermano mayor de EJ, Sterling Foley, seminarista de los Legionarios de Cristo con sede en su Casa de Formación en Roma. El trío recorrió la ciudad y visitó las cuatro basílicas principales, atravesando cada Puerta Santa durante este Año Jubilar.

“Atravesamos todas las Puertas Santas de las basílicas, rezando continuamente por la gente de nuestra tierra, Misisipi, y por aquellos que hicieron posible el viaje”, dijo Grayson Foley.
Poco después de su llegada, se supo que la misa de investidura del papa León, el primer papa estadounidense, tendría lugar el 18 de mayo. Los seminaristas se enfrentaron a una decisión: ¿debían quedarse y servir en la histórica misa? La respuesta era clara: sí.

Gracias a la hospitalidad de los seminaristas legionarios de Cristo, se consiguieron entradas para EJ, Grayson y Grant Caillouet, un seminarista de la diócesis de Baton Rouge, para ayudar en la distribución de la comunión durante la misa de toma de posesión en la basílica de San Pedro. Asistieron casi 20.000 personas. Se sentaron a la derecha del altar y permanecieron allí hasta el Credo.

“Durante el Credo de la misa, nos llevaron a la capilla de adoración dentro de San Pedro”, recordó Grayson. “Cuando EJ y yo entramos en la gigantesca y vacía basílica de San Pedro, se estaba cantando la parte del Credo en la que se dice: ‘Et unam, sanctam, catholicam et apostolicam Ecclesiam’, que se traduce como ‘Y (creo en) una Iglesia santa, católica y apostólica’. La impresionante vista de la iglesia de San Pedro y lo fundamental que es ese lugar para la Iglesia me hizo llorar, pero tuve que contenerme porque estábamos a punto de distribuir la comunión”.

A cada seminarista se le dieron 100 hostias para distribuir entre los miles de asistentes a la histórica misa. Se adentraron entre la multitud gritando “¡Corpus Christi!” mientras daban la Eucaristía a los fieles.
“EJ es alto y tiene los brazos largos, y distribuyó la comunión a tantas personas como pudo”, dijo su madre, Dana Martin, que presenció el evento a través de la retransmisión en directo. “Había barreras que retenían a la gente detrás del pasillo y EJ seguía abriéndose paso entre la multitud con la comunión: ¡Corpus Christi! ¡Corpus Christi! ¡Corpus Christi!”.

Desde la izquierda, los seminaristas EJ Martin y Grayson Foley, ambos de la Diócesis de Jackson, y Sterling Foley, de los Legionarios de Cristo, comparten un momento juntos en la Plaza de San Pedro en medio de la multitud. (Foto cortesía de Laura Foley)

Cuando terminaron de repartir las hostias, la multitud los separó. Grayson encontró el camino de vuelta al interior de San Pedro y fue testigo de cómo el papa León saludaba a dignatarios de todo el mundo, incluidos el rey y la reina de Francia.

EJ reflexionó: “Estar tan cerca de la toma de posesión del primer papa estadounidense fue increíble. Rezar con Jesús en mis manos en una basílica de San Pedro vacía fue increíble. Pero lo más increíble fue distribuir la comunión a la gente. Qué felices estaban de recibir a Jesús en esa misa. Probablemente, estas personas habían estado esperando más de cinco horas para tener esta oportunidad. Fue una experiencia tan bendita que nunca la olvidaré”.