Author Archives: Mississippi Catholic

El Papa regresa al Vaticano tras una larga hospitalización

Posted on by

Por Cindy Wooden

ROMA (CNS) – Inmediatamente antes de salir del hospital Gemelli de Roma tras más de cinco semanas de tratamiento por dificultades respiratorias, neumonía bilateral e infecciones, el Papa Francisco saludó a cientos de personas que se reunieron afuera del hospital el 23 de marzo.

Con voz muy débil, el Papa Francisco dio las gracias a la multitud, agitando las manos y levantando los pulgares.

“Gracias a todos”, dijo el Santo Padre. También señaló a una mujer que llevaba un ramo de flores amarillas y dijo a la multitud: “Es buena”.

Massimiliano Strappetti, el enfermero que es el principal cuidador médico del Papa Francisco en el Vaticano, ajusta un micrófono para el Papa mientras saluda a una multitud de simpatizantes en el hospital Gemelli de Roma antes de regresar al Vaticano el 23 de marzo de 2025. (CNS photo/Pablo Esparza)

Un ayudante había empujado al Papa Francisco en su silla de ruedas hasta el balcón que da a la plaza exterior del hospital. Unas 600 personas se habían congregado en el hospital, entre ellas el alcalde de Roma, Roberto Gualtieri. Cientos de personas también se reunieron frente a las pantallas de vídeo en la Plaza de San Pedro para ver al Papa por primera vez desde que fue hospitalizado el 14 de febrero.

El Papa salió del hospital casi inmediatamente después de su aparición en el balcón.

La policía en motocicleta que conducía la comitiva del Papa giró hacia la calle que conduce a la entrada del Vaticano más cercana a su residencia y luego dio la vuelta. En lugar de ir directamente a su residencia, el Papa Francisco fue conducido por el centro de Roma hasta la Basílica de Santa María la Mayor, donde ha rezado antes y después de cada viaje al extranjero y después de sus dos hospitalizaciones anteriores por cirugía abdominal.

El Papa Francisco no entró en la iglesia, pero dejó un ramo de flores para que se colocara en el altar bajo el icono mariano “Salus Populi Romani” o “Salud del pueblo romano”.

Imágenes de televisión del Papa, sentado en el asiento delantero de un Fiat blanco, mostraron que estaba usando oxígeno a través de una cánula nasal.

Poco antes de que el Papa, de 88 años, saliera al balcón del hospital, el Vaticano hizo público un texto que había preparado para la oración del Ángelus del mediodía.

El mensaje del Papa se centraba en la lectura del Evangelio del día de la parábola de la higuera de Lucas 13,1-9, en la que el dueño del viñedo le dice a un jardinero que corte una higuera que no había dado fruto durante tres años; el jardinero pide que se le conceda un año para abonar y cuidar el árbol con la esperanza de que dé fruto en el futuro.

El agricultor paciente “es el Señor, que trabaja con esmero el suelo de nuestras vidas y espera confiado nuestro regreso a Él”, escribió el Papa. “La parábola que encontramos en el Evangelio de hoy nos habla de la paciencia de Dios, que nos impulsa a hacer de nuestra vida un tiempo de conversión”.

“En este largo tiempo de hospitalización, he experimentado la paciencia del Señor, que también veo reflejada en los incansables cuidados de los médicos y del personal sanitario, así como en las atenciones y esperanzas de los familiares de los enfermos”, que también se encuentran en el Gemelli, escribió.

“Esta paciencia confiada, anclada en el amor indefectible de Dios, es realmente necesaria en nuestra vida, especialmente para afrontar las situaciones más difíciles y dolorosas”, escribió el Papa Francisco.

Pero, al igual que en los otros mensajes que se difundieron los domingos desde el hospital, el Papa también instó a rezar por la paz y comentó la actualidad.

“Me entristeció la reanudación de los intensos bombardeos israelíes sobre la Franja de Gaza, con numerosos muertos y heridos”, dijo. Israel, alegando un punto muerto en las negociaciones con las milicias de Hamás, comenzó a lanzar ataques aéreos sobre Gaza el 18 de marzo, poniendo fin a un alto el fuego que había comenzado en enero.

“Pido el cese inmediato de las armas y que se tenga la valentía para reanudar el diálogo, liberar a todos los rehenes y alcanzar un alto el fuego definitivo”, escribió el Papa. La situación humanitaria en Gaza “vuelve a ser muy grave y requiere el compromiso urgente de las partes beligerantes y de la comunidad internacional”.

El Dr. Sergio Alfieri, jefe del equipo médico que atiende al Papa, había declarado a los periodistas el 22 de marzo que, en sus habitaciones de la Domus Sanctae Marthae, el Papa seguirá utilizando el oxígeno que necesite a través de una cánula nasal, tomará medicación para combatir una micosis persistente, una infección, y continuará con su fisioterapia y terapia respiratoria.

Los médicos le han prescrito dos meses de reposo y recuperación y han instado al Papa a no reunirse con grandes grupos durante ese tiempo. También han dicho que su voz necesitará tiempo para recuperarse.

El Dr. Luigi Carbone, subdirector del servicio de salud del Vaticano y miembro del equipo médico que atiende al Papa en el hospital Gemelli, dijo que, aparte de un tanque de oxígeno, no se necesitaría ningún equipo especial en la habitación del Papa. Añadió, sin embargo, que el servicio de salud del Vaticano tiene un médico y otro personal de guardia las 24 horas del día.

Incluso después de que se anunciara el regreso del Papa al Vaticano, el rosario por él y por todos los enfermos continuaba en la Plaza de San Pedro cada tarde.

La multitud reunida para rezar el 22 de marzo aplaudió ruidosamente cuando el arzobispo Giordano Piccinotti, presidente de la Administración del Patrimonio de la Santa Sede, comenzó el rezo diciéndoles: “El Santo Padre vuelve a casa. Damos gracias a Dios y a la Virgen María por esta gran noticia”.

La oficina de prensa del Vaticano dijo que el 23 de marzo el rosario continuaría y sería dirigido por el cardenal Mauro Gambetti, arcipreste de la Basílica de San Pedro.

Pope, in short audio message, thanks people for their prayers

Posted on by

By Cindy Wooden
VATICAN CITY (CNS) – On his 21st day in Rome’s Gemelli hospital, Pope Francis recorded a 27-second audio message thanking people for their prayers.

Played before the nightly recitation of the rosary in St. Peter’s Square March 6, the pope said, “I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your prayers for my health from the square; I accompany you from here. May God bless you and the Virgin protect you. Thank you.”

The message in Spanish was recorded in the hospital earlier in the day, the Vatican press office said, offering no other details.

The 88-year-old pope, who has been battling double pneumonia, had obvious difficulty speaking in the recording, but it was the first time the public had heard his voice since he was hospitalized Feb. 14 for bronchitis and difficulty breathing.

The rosary was led by Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime, pro-prefect of the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, who announced the recording as “good news, a beautiful gift.” The hundreds of people in the square applauded before and after listening to the pope.

Shortly before the audio was released, the pope’s doctors had said in their evening bulletin that Pope Francis’ condition remained stable, and he continued his respiratory and physical therapy “with benefit.”
He had no fever, no episodes of “respiratory insufficiency” and his blood tests and “hemodynamic parameters,” which measure heart health, “remained stable,” the doctors said in the bulletin released by the Vatican.

Votive candles and flowers are seen at the base of a statue of St. John Paul II outside Rome’s Gemelli hospital March 6, 2025, where Pope Francis has been hospitalized since Feb. 14, receiving treatment for double pneumonia. (CNS photo/Lola Gomez)

“In view of the stable clinical picture, the next medical bulletin will be issued Saturday,” March 8, the bulletin said. However, the doctors said they were maintaining their prognosis of the pope’s condition as “guarded.”

The was diagnosed with double pneumonia Feb. 18. He experienced breathing crises Feb. 22 and March 3, but the bulletins have described his condition as “stable” since then.
In addition to the medical information, the bulletin said the pope “devoted himself to some work activities during the morning and afternoon, alternating between rest and prayer. Before lunch he received the Eucharist.”

Pope Francis continues to receive high-flow oxygen through a nasal cannula during the day and to use “noninvasive mechanical ventilation” to help him breathe through the night, a Vatican source said.

Retired Polish Cardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz, who served as St. John Paul II’s personal secretary from 1966 until the pope’s death in 2005, told the Italian newspaper La Repubblica March 5 that he believed Pope Francis, like his Polish predecessor, continues to serve the church even from his hospital bed.

When St. John Paul II was bedridden, “voiceless, unable to speak, lacking strength,” the cardinal said, he was “serving the church with heart, soul and clear mind. And I am sure that Pope Francis, for whose healing the whole world is praying, will do the same: he will lead the church as long as God wills, firmly embracing the cross, without any step backward.”

And even though he is not speaking in public, Cardinal Dziwisz said, “his voice rises loud and clear over a world beset by clashes and conflicts,” praying for peace, encouraging negotiations and even calling the pastor of the only Catholic parish in Gaza.

“Francis is not only our father, he is the highest moral figure who cares about the fate of all of humanity,” the cardinal said. “The whole world needs him. Let us pray that God will grant him the gift of healing and preserve him for us for a long time.”

(For more recent news on Pope Francis, visit https://www.usccb.org/newsroom)

Walking together in faith – Father Albeen celebrates 25 years of priesthood

Posted on by

By Joe Lee
MADISON – Father Albeen Reddy Vatti looked totally at home as he mingled with guests in the St. Francis of Assisi family life center in Madison on the twenty-fifth anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood.
Knowing the celebration, which featured a gourmet meal served by the St. Francis Knights of Columbus, would last well into the evening, he happily made time for everyone who wanted a handshake, hug, or selfie.

“As a priest serving at St. Francis,” he said, “I have learned not to walk before the people or behind the people, but to walk together with people.”

MADISON – Bishop Joseph Kopacz gives a final blessing to Father Albeen Vatti (right) and his childhood friend Father Shobhan Singareddy serving in the Diocese of Birmingham. Many gathered for a special Mass at St. Francis of Assisi for Father Albeen’s 25th anniversary as a priest. (Photo by Tereza Ma)

That approach is a big reason why Father Albeen isn’t just considered a beloved priest. He’s practically family as far as parishioners are concerned. In nearly ten years at the Madison parish, he has watched with pride as youth group kids he mentored at the beginning are now active members and starting families.

“One of my proudest achievements,” he said, “is strengthening and encouraging the parish ministry and parish lay leaders who give their time, talents and treasures so generously.”

“Father Albeen is compassionate and comforting in our parishioners’ darkest times,” said St. Francis office manager Sallie Ann Inman. “He enjoys being included in their celebrations, and he loves working with the children, such as when they learn the importance of altar serving.”

Arriving in the Diocese of Jackson from his native India in 2012, his first assignment was at St. Richard Church in Jackson, giving him an opportunity to work with a priest who to this day remains very important to him.

“It was a God-given blessing to work as an associate priest with Father Mike O’Brien,” he said. “Father O’Brien was such a caring, understanding and encouraging priest.”

After five months at St. Richard, Father Albeen was asked by Msgr. Elvin Sunds to serve in northeast Mississippi. But when made aware he would be among a large contingent of Spanish-speaking parishioners, he was reluctant to go.

“When Father O’Brien heard that, he said, ‘Albeen, St. Thomas the Apostle, St. Francis Xavier, and Mother Teresa all came to India without knowing Indian languages and became saints. Don’t you want to become a saint learning Spanish?’”

In February 2013, Father Albeen celebrated Mass in Spanish for the first time at St. Francis of Assisi in New Albany. He remembers the experience like it was yesterday.

“It was cold, but by the end of the Mass I was soaked in sweat because of my nervousness,” he said. “Slowly I learned to read, speak and understand the Spanish culture.”

When Bishop Joseph Kopacz asked him to move to St. Francis of Assisi in Madison, the transition wasn’t as easy as one might think after spending three years in Mississippi.

Father Albeen Vatti received Papal Blesing for his 25th anniversary on March 6, 2025 given by Sallie Ann Inman. View additional photos at https://jacksondiocese.zenfoliosite.com. (Photo by Tereza Ma)

“There were challenges,” he said, “especially with St. Anthony Elementary School and the Assisi Early Learning Center (on the St. Francis campus). Another was to fill the big shoes of Msgr. Mike Flannery. The biggest was to get to know the parishioners, but within no time I experienced the love of all the faithful. Now St. Francis has become a home away from home.”

“Father Albeen has been a wonderful pastor and friend to St. Anthony,” said principal Anne Cowger. “One of his unique gifts is the ability to connect with the children during Mass. He often shares stories from his childhood in India, which enhances their understanding and helps them relate to him in a meaningful way.”

He’s an active member of the Knights of Columbus, attending most council meetings at the parish, and typically spends the entire day on campus during Cajun Fest as well as getting up early to take part in the annual Ring in Your Faith run/walk on New Year’s Day.

“When it comes to making our biggest events successful, the one common denominator is the presence of the parish priest,” said past Grand Knight Doug Leo. “Father Albeen has been the backbone of our parish the last several years. There’s never a question about his commitment to his flock.”

He’s also deeply committed to mentoring young priests as well as youth who might be considering the priesthood. Father Joseph Golamari, also from the Diocese of Warangal and temporarily at St. Francis as he awaits his first full-time assignment, has known Father Albeen since he was in eighth grade.

“He was my pastor and guided me to orient my life towards priesthood,” said Father Golamari. “From the moment I arrived here, he was there to encourage me in every aspect, including understanding the Mississippi accent, food and culture. He said, ‘Don’t be afraid of anything. Be confident, but not overconfident. Be available to the parishioners and be approachable.’”

Around the diocese: Lenten meals, stations and more

Posted on by

LENTEN MEALS/STATIONS
AMORY – St. Helen, Fish Fry, Friday, March 28 at 6 p.m. Dine-in only in the parish hall. Please sign up at the church entrance.

BATESVILLE – St. Mary, KC Council #13502 Fish Fry, Friday, April 11 from 4-6 p.m. Cost: $12/plate in advance or $15 at the door.

CLARKSDALE – St. Elizabeth, Lenten lunches, Fridays at 12 p.m. in McKenna Hall. All are invited for a 10-minute reflection followed by lunch.

CLARKSDALE – St. Elizabeth and Immaculate Conception, Stations at 5:30 p.m. followed by Mass and fish fry. Alternates between St. Elizabeth and Immaculate Conception.

CLINTON – Holy Savior, Stations and Lenten Meals, every Friday during Lent at 5:30 p.m. followed by Mass at 6 p.m., Lenten meals follow except on March 14. Knights Fish Fry on March 28 with cost of $9 per plate or $40 for family of 5+. Please RSVP for meals: holysavior@att.net.

COLUMBUS – Annunciation, Stations and Fish Dinner, every Friday during Lent at 5:30 p.m. in the Chapel with dinner in Activity Center following.

CORINTH – St. James the Less, Soup Supper and Stations, every Friday during Lent at 5 p.m.

FLOWOOD – St. Paul, Fish Fry, every Friday during Lent after 6 p.m. Stations. No to-go orders.

GLUCKSTADT – St. Joseph, Fish Fry, March 21 and April 11. Details: church office (601) 856-2054.

GREENVILLE – St. Joseph, KC Fish Fry, March 28 and April 11. Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo on Friday, April 4 from 5-7 p.m. at the Italian Club with cost of $15. Details: church office (662) 335-5251.

HERNANDO – Holy Spirit, Soup and Stations, every Friday during Lent at 6:30 p.m.

JACKSON – St. Richard, KC Fish Fry, March 21 and 28, and April 4 and 11 from 6-7:30 p.m. in Foley Hall. Cost: $15 adults; $8 children; $45 families of 4+ (children ages 12 and below).

MADISON – St. Francis of Assisi, Rosary at 6 p.m. followed by Stations and Lenten meals, every Friday during Lent.

MERIDIAN – St. Patrick, Lenten meals after 6 p.m. Stations are schedule for March 21 (Crawfish etouffee or shrimp – cost $12/plate) and April 4 (soup and sandwiches).

MERIDIAN – St. Joseph, Fish Fry, Friday, March 14 and 28 and on April 11 after 6 p.m. Stations.

NATCHEZ – Knights Fish Fry, every Friday during Lent from 5-7 p.m. in the Family Life Center. Eat in or take out. Cost: catfish $12, shrimp $12 or combo $14. Dinner includes fries, hush puppies and coleslaw. For grilled catfish, call 30 minutes ahead to Darren at (601) 597-2890.

OLIVE BRANCH – Queen of Peace, Soup and Stations, every Friday at 5:30 p.m.

OXFORD – St. John, Fish Fry, Every Friday during Lent following Stations at 5:30 p.m.

PEARL – St. Jude, Fish Fry, Every Friday during Lent following Stations at 6 p.m. Dine-in only.

TUPELO – St. James, Fish Fry, Friday, March 21 and April 4 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Cost $10.

SOUTHAVEN – Christ the King, Lenten Meals, Fridays at 5:30 p.m. KC Fish Fry March 21 and April 4; and soup and sandwiches March 28 and April 11.

STATIONS ONLY
BATESVILLE – St. Mary, Stations, every Friday during Lent at 10:30 a.m. followed by Mass.
CANTON – Holy Child Jesus, Stations, every Friday during Lent at 12 p.m.
CLEVELAND – Our Lady of Victories, Stations, every Friday during Lent at 5:30 p.m.
FOREST – St. Michael, Way of the Cross (Spanish), every Friday during Lent at 7 p.m.
GLUCKSTADT – St. Joseph, Stations, every Friday during Lent at 6 p.m.
GREENVILLE – St. Joseph, Stations, every Friday during Lent at 5 p.m.
GREENWOOD – St. Francis, Stations (Spanish), every Wednesday during Lent at 6 p.m. and Stations (English), every Friday during Lent at 6 p.m.
HOLLY SPRINGS – St. Joseph, Stations, every Friday during Lent at 7 p.m. with Confessions at 6:30 p.m.
JACKSON – St. Richard, Stations, every Friday during Lent at 5:30 p.m.
JACKSON – Christ the King, Stations, every Friday during Lent at 5:30 p.m.
MAGEE – St. Stephen, Stations, every Friday during Lent at 6:30 p.m.
NATCHEZ – St. Mary Basilica, Rosary and Stations, every Friday during Lent at 5:30 p.m. (Stations at 6 p.m.)
NATCHEZ – Assumption, Stations, every Friday during Lent at 5:30 p.m.
PONTOTOC – St. Christopher, Stations (bilingual), every Friday during Lent at 6 p.m. in Glenmary Hall.
SARDIS – St. John, Stations, every Wednesday during Lent at 4:30 p.m. followed by Mass.
SENATOBIA – St. Gregory, Stations, every Friday during Lent at 6 p.m.
SOUTHAVEN – Christ the King, every Friday during Lent at 7 p.m.
TUPELO – St. James, Stations, every Friday during Lent, following 12:10 p.m. Mass (English) and at 6 p.m. (English). Stations in Spanish, following 6:30 p.m. Spanish Mass every Friday during Lent.






PENANCE SERVICES/RECONCILIATION
BATESVILLE – St. Mary, Penance Service, Thursday, April 3 from 6-7 p.m.
CLARKSDALE – St. Elizabeth, Lenten Reconciliation, Thursday, March 20 at 5:30 p.m. Join for a Lenten talk by Father Mark Shoffner followed by confessions until 7:15 p.m.
CLEVELAND– Our Lady of Victories, Reconciliation, Thursday, March 27 from 4-6:30 p.m. (several priests available). Confession also heard before every weekend Mass.
CLINTON – Holy Savior, Reconciliation Service, Wednesday, March 26 at 6 p.m.
GREENVILLE – St. Joseph, Penance Service, Monday, April 7 at 11 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.
GREENWOOD – Immaculate Heart of Mary, Reconciliation Service, Tuesday, April 1 at 5 p.m.
HERNANDO – Holy Spirit, Penance Service, Wednesday, March 26 at 7 p.m.
JACKSON – St. Richard, Reconciliation, available every Saturday during Lent from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Confession practicum by Father Joe Tonos at 10 a.m. every Saturday during Lent in Foley Hall.
MADISON – St. Francis of Assisi, Reconciliation Service, Tuesday, April 1 at 6 p.m.
OLIVE BRANCH – Queen of Peace, Penance Service, Wednesday, April 2 at 7 p.m.
PEARL – St. Jude, Reconciliation, Thursday, March 20 at 6 p.m.
SOUTHAVEN – Christ the King, Penance Service, Wednesday, April 9 at 7 p.m.





(Information subject to change. Check with local parishes for details. List will be updated as more information is received at jacksondiocese.org/lenten-meals-stations-services.)

					

		
		
	


          
            
	

		

						
Scout’s calling transforms storage room into classroom

			
						

				Posted on   by  			

			
					


				

			

By Joe Lee
In a cartoon, a light bulb would have appeared over the head of Daniel Inman as he walked through a cluttered storage room at Sister Thea Bowman Elementary School (STB) a few weeks ago.

In the real world, it was a God thing.

Inman, a junior at St. Joseph School in Madison and an active member of nearby St. Francis of Assisi Church, is closing in on the rank of Eagle Scout.

“I felt God telling me that this is what my Eagle project should be,” he said.

After speaking to STB principal Christopher Payne, Inman went right to work on a plan to convert the storage room into an additional Pre-Kindergarten classroom for the west Jackson school. He quickly enlisted help from his family and fellow scouts.

“I scheduled them to help clean the room and throw away all the old things that can’t be used anymore,” he said. “We started a drive for items to be put in the new classroom, and once they were purchased and delivered, we arranged them to fit a Pre-K room.”






JACKSON – Christopher Payne, principal of Sister Thea Bowman School shakes hands with Daniel Inman, a scout closing in on the rank of Eagle Scout after completing a project with the school. (Photo courtesy of Sallie Ann Inman)




Studies show that the percentage of Boy Scouts who attain the rank of Eagle is in single digits. Job recruiters and hiring departments often take notice of the designation on a resume, as it represents long-term commitment, perseverance, and the capacity to lead and manage others.

For Inman, what makes the project even better is the contribution to a very small, economically challenged Catholic school.

“It is important to help the community whenever you are able,” he said. “Being able to say that I contributed to something big like a school classroom is very fulfilling.”

The school was named in honor of Sister Thea Bowman, who continues to be part of the conversation when it comes to the possibility of sainthood.

“We’ve been sharing the stories of her legacy with the students,” said Deacon Denzil Lobo, Ecclesial Minister at nearby Christ the King Church and STB Canonical Administrator. “For our Black History Program, they talked about her legacy, and one even acted in the role of Sister Thea.

“We have explained the canonization process to them – including the requirements for miracles – and we’ve explained that with our prayers, perhaps she will be canonized a saint in their lifetime. Several of them went to (St. Peter’s) Cathedral for the blessing of the statue of Sister Thea and sang songs during the Mass.”

Thanks to Inman’s leadership, STB can enjoy what some might consider a small miracle: a fully furnished new classroom at no cost to the school. His efforts come as no surprise to Father Albeen Vatti, Inman’s priest at St. Francis of Assisi for nearly a decade.

“I’ve gotten to observe Daniel closely, since his mother, Sallie Ann, is the office manager and his dad, Will, helps with a lot of parish maintenance,” Vatti said. “I would describe Daniel as gentle and kindhearted, an active participant in religious education and youth activities who always volunteers to help at church.”

“Having Daniel reach out to me about remodeling that classroom back into its original state was a blessing I never saw coming,” said Payne, who was struggling to accommodate increased enrollment in the school’s Pre-K program. “The work that the Inman family and those who supported this project have put in will allow us to take in more students, and continue our mission to serve the students who need us to serve them.”

STB needs volunteers to tutor students after school in math, reading and writing. Payne is also looking for volunteers to read to students in the classroom, and to help with set-up and clean-up before and after school events.

“We can always use new books for our library, art supplies, iPads, and Chromebooks,” he added. “With financial donations, we don’t ask for specific amounts and are just glad to receive whatever donors want to give. If someone gives one dollar, it goes straight to the students.”

					

		
		
	


          
            
	

          
            
	

		

						
Pope prays for wounded families, says forgiveness renews hope, healing

			
						

				Posted on   by  			

			
					


				

			


A screengrab from Pope Francis’ video message, released March 4, 2025, highlights his prayer intention for March: “For families in crisis.” (CNS screengrab/Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network)




By Carol Glatz
VATICAN CITY (CNS) – The best medicine to heal the pain of a wounded family is forgiveness, Pope Francis said.

“Forgiveness always renews the family, making it look forward with hope,” the pope said in a video message to present his prayer intention for the month of March: “For families in crisis.”

The video, which was recorded weeks before his hospitalization Feb. 14 and released March 4, did not include the usual footage of Pope Francis at his desk reading the message but only used his voice for the narration.

It did not seem “respectful” or appropriate to be publishing a previously recorded video of him while he was recovering at the hospital, an official at the prayer network told Catholic News Service March 4. No images of the pope taken after he was hospitalized have been released.

The final frame of the video says, “The video was recorded a few weeks ago. Let us join in prayer with Pope Francis at clicktopray.org.”

In the message, Pope Francis said, “We all dream about a beautiful, perfect family. But there’s no such thing as a perfect family. Every family has its own problems, as well as its tremendous joys.”

“Every member of the family is important because each member is different than the others, each person is unique. But these differences can also cause conflict and painful wounds,” he said.

The best medicine to help heal the pain of those wounds, he said, is forgiveness. “Forgiveness means giving another chance. God does this with us all the time. God’s patience is infinite. He forgives us, lifts us up, gives us a new start.”

Even if there is no possibility of there being a fairytale ending of “happily ever after,” he said, “God’s grace gives us the strength to forgive, and it brings peace, because it frees us from sadness, and, above all, from resentment.”

“Let us pray that broken families might discover the cure for their wounds through forgiveness, rediscovering each other’s gifts, even in their differences,” he said.

(The video can be found in English and other languages at www.thepopevideo.org.)

					

		
		
	


          
            
	

		

						
A random guy walks into a bar

			
						

				Posted on   by  			

			
					


				

			

FOR THE JOURNEY
By Effie Caldarola

So, a random guy walks into a bar. No, this isn’t the beginning of a joke. For me, it’s a Lenten meditation.
A friend of mine tends bar in a neighborhood tavern. It’s a small place where “regulars” gather. Once, on the rare occasion I visited, I asked for red wine. My friend shook her head. “I wouldn’t order wine here,” she said. Apparently, a bottle of Merlot can sit open for weeks. This is a beer drinker’s haven.

She told me that one night as she stood behind the bar, she was looking at a GoFundMe page for a friend, a young woman diagnosed with very serious cancer. The woman had to quit her job to begin treatment.






Effie Caldarola




A customer my friend didn’t know was sitting at the bar sipping a beer and asked what she was doing. She explained the young woman’s situation. This random guy, a stranger, pulled out two $20 bills and pushed them over to her. Add that to the GoFundMe, he said.

What does this have to do with my Lent? I’ve been thinking about generosity. More specifically, I’ve been pondering spontaneous generosity and what it says about the heart. My heart.

Spring brings two familiar rituals – one, the penitential season of Lent with its many graces. The other, tax season, with its obligations. Although ostensibly very different things, they may intersect at the point where some of us use our charitable donations as deductions.

Tax season holds us hostage to paper, and I’ve carefully recorded the donations my husband and I have made. Again, the intersection: I want a deduction, but I also use this as a time to evaluate my generosity. Were our contributions “enough?” Were they more than last year? Did they reflect our church’s preferential option for the poor? What do they say about our priorities?

But then, a random guy pushes $40 across the bar in a spontaneous act of compassion, and my receipts suddenly seem less important and a bit more calculated. Where, I wonder, is my record of everyday acts of generosity, acts which held no hidden benefit to me except the grace of a God whose generosity is boundless?

I think back to times I’ve failed at spontaneous generosity. I sometimes recall, long ago, a man loitering on the early morning street, me rushing to a coffee shop before a meeting. I had no cash to give him, but later I asked myself why I didn’t offer to buy him a coffee. Maybe a muffin? I had a credit card.

There’s nothing wrong with planned giving. Actually, it’s important. Maybe we tithe, or maybe we choose a sacrifice so that we can give more. In these troubled times, with so many people suffering and even dying because federal contracts to Catholic charities have been frozen, our charitable planning is critical.

But generosity should be a way of life, not just a budget line item. Generosity is stumbling out of bed after a sleepless night and smiling brightly at our family. It’s letting someone else have the last piece of cake. It’s spontaneous compassion on a daily basis, through our time, our words, our resources. Without payback. Just sliding a little cash across the bar.

Did that guy have a sister or mother who struggled with the same cancer? Or did he just have a generous heart? We’ll never know.

People often ask a deacon friend of mine how much they should give, almost as if his answer would justify them. He would always smile and say, “More.” That’s a good daily Lenten mantra. After all, how can we give God less?





(Effie Caldarola is a wife, mom and grandmother who received her master’s degree in pastoral studies from Seattle University.)

					

		
		
	


          
            
	

		

						
Heart of a deacon: The path to the permanent diaconate

			
						

				Posted on   by  			

			
					


				

			

By Deacon John McGregor
The formation process for men interested in the permanent diaconate is both rigorous and rewarding. Let’s begin by looking at the inquiry and application processes.










Inquiry sessions are scheduled in all the deaneries in our diocese. At the inquiry sessions the participant will hear about the ministry of the permanent diaconate, the formation process, and be given an opportunity to ask questions. The participant will be asked to complete a short inquirer’s form, so we have some basic information about the party and the party’s association with the church. Then in May, the inquirer may request an application, which must be completed by the end of July. The application includes an extensive questionnaire about the perspective candidate’s relationship with the church, with Christ, with his family, etc. In addition, the inquirer will be asked to write three essays – an autobiography, another describing his spiritual journey, and another, outlining why the perspective candidate believes he is called to serve as a deacon. His wife will also be asked to complete part of the application form and to write a letter of support for the application.

In addition to the application, the perspective diaconate candidate will be required to submit the results of a physical examination, proof of reception of the sacrament of baptism, holy communion and confirmation. If married, the applicant must show that he is married “in the church.” He will also be asked to submit three letters of recommendation, and request a letter of recommendation from his pastor, mailed directly to the director of the permanent diaconate. Once a completed application package is received, no later than July 31, 2025, the applicant and his spouse will interview with a deacon and his spouse, and a priest. After these interviews, the applicant will be required to take a psychological evaluation. Ultimately, the final interview is with the bishop and the deacon vocations board. If accepted, aspirancy would begin in January 2026.

Aspirancy is a one-year period of discernment, prior to entering formation. During phase one, the aspirant will learn more about the ministry of the deacon, prayer, discernment and other introductory topics. Aspirants meet once a month on Saturdays, from January through June during this first phase of aspirancy. Phase two begins in September with a prerequisite theology course on divine revelation. Again, throughout Phase two, meetings are on Saturdays only. At the end of the aspirancy period, the aspirant will once again be interviewed to determine if he is able and willing to move into the formation program.

Those accepted into candidacy would begin the formation process in January 2027. During the four years of formation, candidates are required to meet one weekend a month from Friday evening to Sunday midday. During this period, the candidate will study theology at a graduate level, receive formation in spirituality and take part in practicums. The candidate is also expected to maintain an active ministry in his parish, working with his pastor as a means to developing his pastoral ministry skills. At the end of the formation process, candidates may petition the bishop for ordination. Those who successfully complete the course work must also take and pass a comprehensive written exam. Those who complete all the requirements will receive a Master of Theological Studies degree from Spring Hill College.






Deacon Wesley Lindsay and other permanent deacons throughout the Diocese of Jackson serve in the ministries of Word, liturgy and charity, assisting priests, supporting parish communities and reaching out to those in need. (Photo from archives)




The diaconal formation process is both rigorous and rewarding. Those who complete the program can be confident in their abilities to serve the church in the diaconal ministries of Word, liturgy and charity. They will be formed according to the four pillars of formation for priests and deacons which seeks to develop the whole person: human, intellectual, spiritual and pastoral. While to some, the program may seem too demanding, but Christ and his church deserve nothing less than the best formation program we can offer.





Those interested in learning more about the permanent diaconate are encouraged to contact Deacon John McGregor (john.mcgregor@jacksondiocese.org) and attend one of the inquiry sessions planned in your area.






					

		
		
	


          
            
	

		

						
CSA feature: Diaconate Ministry

			
						

				Posted on   by  			

			
					


				

			

For many years, Jeff and Ann Cook have been dedicated parishioners of St. Richard Parish in Jackson. Their journey toward the diaconate began in 2016 when they first considered the possibility. After much discussion with their family, they decided the timing was not right. However, in early 2021, they felt a renewed calling to discern this path together. With faith-filled hearts, they took the leap, and Jeff submitted his application to begin formation for the diaconate.

Currently, Jeff is a candidate with plans to be ordained in the summer of 2026. “When we began this process, Ann and I felt we would be walking this path alone,” Jeff shared. “Much to our delight, we found a supportive community in the other deacon applicants and their wives. Our faith has been strengthened as we journey together.”






Pictured, Jeff and Ann Cook of St. Richard parish in Jackson. In 2021 Jeff and Ann felt a renewed calling to discern the path of joining the diaconate. Jeff looks to be ordained a permanent deacon in the summer of 2026.




Ann, who initially had reservations about the balance between marriage, family and the diaconate program, and she found peace through prayer and discernment. “God reassured me with the words, ‘Never have I led you where you could not go,’ which eased my anxiety and allowed us to say yes,” she said. “I am grateful for the friendships we have formed, the deepening of our Catholic faith, and the support we have received during difficult times. Despite the challenges, this formation process has been a profound blessing.”

Jeff’s journey would not be possible without the generous support of the Catholic Service Appeal (CSA). Contributions to the CSA help offset the costs of the formation program, providing assistance for those pursuing vocations.

“Your support reminds us that we are not walking this journey alone but are accompanied by the prayers and sacrifices of parishioners like you,” Jeff said. “We are profoundly humbled and truly thankful for this shared commitment. Knowing that others are walking with us on this path means more than words can express.”





Donate to the Catholic Service appeal by clicking the image below.