Editor’s Note: Many Diocese of Jackson families, pastors and groups attended the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia during the Papal visit. The staff asked Group leaders and attendees to reflect on the trip. In this issue, the staff has selected excerpts from their reflections on the meeting, the Festival of Families and the Papal Mass to conclude the meeting.

Father Gregory Plata
The word “Catholic” was first used by Ignatius of Antioch in 107 AD, meaning universal, to describe the nascent, but quickly growing Christian church. That description could not have been more pointed than what was witnessed during September’s World Meeting of Families and visit by Pope Francis to the city of Philadelphia. Catholics from around the world, representing every country, race and culture, came to share ideas of how to strengthen family bonds, and apply the teachings of Jesus Christ in their every day life. This gathering also included 17 pilgrims from Greenwood, representing the Catholic families of St. Francis of Assisi and Immaculate Heart of Mary parishes.
I have to say I was very proud of my home city and the way they presented themselves. Everyone, from the police force to the public transit workers to street cleaners could not have been more accommodating. Philadelphians don’t always have a good reputation due to the vociferous nature of their sports fans, but I think this week changed that perception.
Led by Father Greg Plata, OFM, who pastors both parishes, the pilgrims arrived on Thursday evening, September 24, staying in Wilmington, DE, a stone’s throw from Central Philadelphia. On Friday, the group spent the day following Father Plata, a native of Philadelphia and history buff, who showed them around the historical area of the city. The group also had an opportunity savor the iconic Philadelphia cheese steak, as well as other Philly foods such as soft pretzels with mustard.
On Saturday, September 26th, the group from Greenwood merged with thousands of people of various denominations and cultures who converged on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway for the Festival of Families event. Before the presentations and concert began that evening, Pope Francis traveled through the central part of Philadelphia, greeted by thunderous applause and shouts of joy from thousands after addressing the various dignitaries and a large crowd gathered at Independence Mall. That evening’s concern included songs performed by Aretha Franklin, who did a rousing rendition of Amazing Grace, to Italian tenor Andrea Boccelli. Mixed between the concerts were families representing five continents, who shared with Pope Francis their joys and struggles. The pope warmly welcomed each. One of the most touching was a family from the Ukraine, who brought their handicapped son in his wheelchair, stating that their son, Boris, was the joy of their life, and how they felt blessed by God to have such a child despite his physical disabilities.
On Sunday, September 27th, the group from Mississippi headed out early for the Papal Mass. Dropped off at the Sports Complex in South Philadelphia, the group traveled by subway to a designated point, and then walked to one of the security check points for entrance into the Parkway. Once again, a throng of thousands had converged on the city, some waiting for hours to gain entrance into the Parkway. Despite the long wait, there was a true sense of peace and patience as one of the greatest gathering of Christians joined for this historic event.
Before Mass, Pope Francis had visited one of the area prisons, bringing a message of hope to the inmates
Crowd size was hard to estimate for the Mass, but a figure was put as high at one million, which included those who were not able to get into the Parkway and were on the periphery. Large screens were set up throughout the Parkway, giving thousands access to sight and sound during the Mass.
“As Catholics, we are taught from an early age to show respect and reverence of worship during the Mass,” commented Fr. Plata. “I was amazed at the silence of so many people, and their participation at Mass through singing and responses to the prayers.”
Responses to the Mass were sung in Latin, which proved a universal language still remembered by many in the church and allowed more participation by people who spoke various languages and were in attendance.
While security was tight, those involved ranging from the local police department to the Secret Service could not have been more amenable and helpful. It seemed as if the pope’s visit created an infectious attitude of serenity and respect among all people.
“I think our group was profoundly affected by this experience, and the positive messages of Pope Francis during his many talks,” stated Fr. Greg. “It made me even more proud to be a part of the Catholic church, and to have had the privilege of sharing these joy filled days with my Catholic sisters from Mississippi.”
(Father Plata is the pastor of Greenwood St. Francis of Assisi and Immaculate Heart of Mary Parishes.)

By Elsa Baughman
MADISON – Paul Sanfrancesco, a consultant for Sadlier Publishing, was invited by the diocesan offices of Education, Child Protection and Faith Formation to present “Catholic Citizenship in the Digital Age,” to pastors, DRE/CREs, youth ministers, teachers, principals, lay ecclesial ministers, parents and catechists at St. Joseph School on Saturday, Oct. 3.
Sanfrancesco started with an overview of apps and social media channels available today. He said that today’s technology is overwhelming and that many people, including teachers, are apprehensive about it, but, he told participants, “you know faith formation, you know how to be a parent, how to be a good Christian. Nothing has changed, the foundation of everything we believe in still applies to technology.”
Sanfrancesco who is also an adjunct professor in the graduate education department at St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia and Neumann University in Aston, Pa., advised participants to not be afraid to use it. “Embrace it and learn its value in education. Go to YouTube to watch a video, use Twitter. If you don’t know how to use it, ask your children, grandchildren, a neighbor or a friend to show you.”
“When reaching out to your children on social media, how you communicate is going to be key to them,” he said, noting that children need to hear encouraging messages from their parents and teachers. “Give them positive feedback, thumbs-up in Facebook. It’s great because they are receiving something that the TV generation didn’t.” Words like, ‘good job,’ and ‘I love you’ mean a lot to them,” he said.
There are some pitfalls to modern digital life. As a cautionary tale, he told the story of a 22-year-old senior at a university in Pennsylvania studying to be a high school English teacher. Two weeks before graduation she posted a picture on her Facebook page in which she appeared drinking from a cup and wearing a Halloween pirate hat. The caption reads, “drunken pirate.”
When the university found out, she was denied the teaching degree and teaching certificate. She sued the university and lost. In Pennsylvania, every educator or student teacher  has to sign an ethics and morality clause that reads, “I will be a responsible, model citizen when I am teaching young adults in the schools in Pennsylvania.” Her profile picture violated this clause.
He said people in some professions such as teachers, doctors, clergy, lawyers and law enforcement, can’t have this kind of post, ever. “Even if the picture is in social media for just a minute, it’s always going to be there, you lose ownership of it.”
He warned, “we live in a world today where everybody is constantly judging you and sometimes assumptions lead to reality, even if the statement is not true.”
Sanfrancesco said we can’t control people’s messages, but we can control our own. He encouraged participants to focus on the positive ones and avoid controversy.
“I have learned about things I didn’t even know existed, at all. I am going home and check with my children,” said Jackson St. Therese parishioner Ingrid Piernas.
Piernas pointed out that with today’s technology, everything boils down to the choices we make, like in the case of the Pennsylvania student. “Even though we may not post pictures of ourselves, we have to be cautious because there are other people with cameras around us, so we should be mindful of our conduct,” she said.”
She also indicated that the speaker also made a great point noting sometimes there might be a disconnect between our Catholic faith and how we conduct ourselves on social media. “We say we are Catholic and we try to follow our faith and values but the way we present ourselves or the things we post in social media may not necessarily reflect that Catholic faith.”
For Shae Robinson, principal of Jackson Sister Thea Bowman Elementary School, knowledge about some of the apps available was also very helpful. “I didn’t know they were out there. That information opened my eyes to a lot of new things,” she said. “We need to be aware and monitor what our children are doing at home and at school,” she added.
Robinson agrees with Piernas that people need to be careful what they post on social media and how others may perceive what is posted because it can be viewed negatively and could cause people to lose a job or prevent them from gaining employment.
“To me it was very interesting about the picture of the young university student drinking from a cup. It was our perception of what was in the cup and how she came to lose her teacher’s certificate.”
Roland Powell also left invigorated with new ideas about what is in the internet, Facebook, Twitter and all the other sites available today. He acknowledged he was glad to attend because there was a lot he didn’t know, especially about the impact the internet has in the young generation. “We need to focus on the positive side of all this new technology, in generating new ideas, new approaches that would nurture and improve our kids and adults and move them in the right direction,” he said.
Powell is a board member of Sister Thea Bowman School.

NATCHEZ – Bishop Joseph Kopacz blessed and unveiled 22 history plaques at the O’Connor Family Life Center of St. Mary Basilica Sunday, Oct. 4, at 3 p.m.
“These plaques highlight significant events, people and institutions in the story of Catholicism in the Natchez area, a story that extends beyond 300 years,” said Father David O’Connor, pastor. An invitation was extended to individuals and groups who are interested in church and local history.
The purpose of these plaques is to present a visual overview of the beginnings and the growth of Catholicism in the south west part of Mississippi. It is the hope and aim of the designers of these plaques that these will offer information and inspiration for many people. These plaques will be hung on the walls of the great hall in the Family Life Center. The series begins with reference to the first documented Mass in Fort Adams in 1682, traces many moments of growth and struggle through the years and concludes with a glimpse of St. Mary congregation in 2014.
This visual history gives recognition to the impact of the French, the Spanish and English immigrants as well as the impact of outstanding bishops, priests and lay leaders. It also tells of the formal establishment of the Catholic Diocese of Natchez in 1837 as well as the local impact of the Civil War. It recognizes the ministry of the Daughters of Charity, the Brothers of the Sacred Heart and the role of orphanages and schools in the area.
Father O’Connor said that the missionary nature of Catholicism is highlighted by plaques on the beginnings and continued growth of Holy Family and Assumption congregations, on the centrality of education, and on social service to the poor and needy of the community through orphanages and community programs.
“For many Natchezians who have listened to the bells of St. Mary toll over the years since 1850, one plaque depicts the bell and its history in a way not available before now,” said Father O’Connor.
The service of unveiling was be led by Bishop Kopacz but each plaque was unveiled by parish members representing different generations of parishioners. This series of plaques serve as a memorial for Garland Michael Lyell, son of Dr. Linda Wilbourn.
Father O’Connor expressed his thanks for the research assistance he received from the St. Mary Archive committee, Dr. Charles Nolan, parish and school staffs, St. Mary pastoral council and the archives of the Daughters of Charity and the Brothers of the Sacred Heart. Lorraine Hampton designed the plaques and Michael Murphy and Stephen Flowers provided photography.

By Maureen Smith
GREENVILLE – Joseph Le was ordained a transitional deacon at a 10 a.m. Mass in St. Joseph Church Saturday, Oct. 10. His parents and many siblings, including his brother, who has taken first vows as a Cistercian, and several nieces and nephews traveled from Dallas and California for the event.
Deacon Le’s parents said they are very happy and thankful to God to have two children who have answered the call to religious and priestly life.
During the Mass, Deacon Le presented himself to Bishop Joseph Kopacz, promised obedience to the bishop and his successors and prostrated himself during the invocation of the saints in the litany. Then after the imposition of hands, Bishop Kopacz presented the new deacon with the Book of the Gospels, a sign of the office of deacon.
Deacon Le first studied with the Carmelites, but discerned that life as a diocesan priest would be a better fit for him. He served in Greenville during his seminary studies and considers it his home parish.
Next May 14, both Deacon Le and Deacon Jason Johnston, who was ordained eariler this year, are scheduled to be ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Kopacz in the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle.

Editor’s Note: Because of the conflict between travel schedules and print deadlines, this issue of Mississippi Catholic will focus on Pope Francis’ visit to Washington and New York. Look for coverage of the World Meeting of Families and the Pope’s visit to Philadelphia in the next issue.
By Maureen Smith
Awesome was the most popular word used to describe seeing Pope Francis address Congress. Several representatives from the Diocese of Jackson were on hand for the historic occasion including Father Joe Dyer, pastor of Forest St. Michael the Archangel, Father Ricardo Phipps, director of Catholic Charities Jackson; Sister Dorothea Sondgeroth, associate executive director of the St. Dominic Health Services Foundation and Will Jemison, coordinator for the Office of Black Catholic Ministry for the diocese.
“The pope addressed social justice issues,” Jemison told Gannett News. “It’s one thing when lawmakers address it. It’s another thing when the pope addresses it. He’s the Holy Father.”
Jemison was there with 300 people from Mississippi. He said he felt like the address was a call to action.
“I received the word from the pope today that inspired me to make sure I am still doing what I can to make sure that social justice issues are addressed in this country, that economic issues are addressed in this country and I also feel the challenge given to me is to challenge my elected officials to work for the common good of all people,” said Jemison.
Father Phipps attended the canonization Mass for Junipero Serra and watched the congressional address.
“There was awesome energy there, just to be with all of the crowds who were there to welcome the Holy Father. I had a chance to be at the Mass at Catholic University and just the Holy Father’s celebration style he was a very loving figure- the time that he spent going around in the Popemobile just greeting people and touching and waving at the children – it was a very refreshing sight to see.

Father Phipps said he feels like Pope Francis is very personal, even when addressing a crowd of thousands. “In some ways it almost felt like, as I was listening to some of the things he was saying and his encouraging words I wondered ‘is he talking just to me? How does he know what I need to hear today in terms of staying focused on taking joy in where God has me planted right here and now.’ It was a great experience that I know I will never forget and then just being there in D.C.”
Sr. Dorothea Songeroth was able to be in the congressional chamber. “I’m still up in the clouds. I feel a little like Cinderella. I just thank God I was able to do this. I am so grateful to Congressman Greg Harper. Just to be there was a blessing beyond words.
“His message was absolutely inspiring and beautiful, but he did let us know that we have to live by the Golden Rule. He is a Pope for all people and a pope for this time,” she said.
Sister Sondgeroth said she is thrilled about what this pope is doing for the church. She said she has met people who have left the church and are returning. “He is bringing people back to the pews,” she said. “He invited the seminarians and novices to attend Mass inside the basilica. He recognized these young people as the hope for the church in the future- and that was heartwarming,” she added.
Father Joe Dyer was also in the gallery, thanks to a ticket from Representative Bennie Thompson, and said the response to the Holy Father was overwhelming. “There were printed instructions on proper behavior in the gallery. We were to remain seated, no applause and no vocalization or yelling. When the doors opened and he walked in everyone stood and cheered and applauded. It was very spontaneous and seemed to be heartfelt,” said Father Dyer.
“I thought his address was very clever. He addressed controversial issues in a way that was not controversial,” he went on to say.
Father Dyer is also pleased with the impact the pope’s charisma is having on the church. “It is a blessing that we are not a church of personalities. Our unity is not dependent on the personality of our leadership, but I am glad that his personality is one that attracts people. He is bringing some credibility to the church.”
One of Pope Francis’ gifts, said Father Dyer, is his ability to speak plainly. “He can say trite things and get an enthusiastic response.
“He quoted the Golden Rule. If we had done that in one of our homilies in seminary, they would have made us take it out — it’s too trite. He can say truthful things – things we have heard before – but he says them with more clarity,” said Father Dyer.
Everyone who attended was glad the pope challenged lawmakers to work for justice and everyone was delighted that he called out four famous Americans: Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Merton, Dorothy Day and Martin Luther King, Jr. “I was surprised and very much pleased (that he spoke about Civil Rights Movement),” said Father Dyer.
“It was very much like Jesuit scholarship to link those four people and he linked them many ways throughout,” he added.
All interviewed thanked the members of Congress who gave them the opportunity to hear Pope Francis and say it is an experience they will never forget.

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – A Mass of Christian Burial for Sister Dolores Coleman, D.C., was celebrated Aug. 28 at Seton Residence Chapel in Evansville. Burial followed at followed at St. Joseph Cemetery in Evansville.

Sister Coleman, a native of Meridian, died Aug. 25, at Seton Residence. She was 94 years of age and had 74 years of vocation as a Daughter of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in education and French from Fontbonne University (then College) in St. Louis in 1947; she earned her Master of Arts in English at DePaul University in Chicago, Ill, in 1954.
She served at Natchez Cathedral Schools (1942- 1948 and 1965-1969) and at schools in Chicago, Ill.,   Keokuk, Iowa St. Louis. She also served in social work in Chicago and Milwaukee, Wis.
In 1972, Sister Coleman was appointed director of the Apostolate of Deaf in Jackson, and served there until 1977. For the next 20 years (1977-1997), she ministered as the program director for the diocesan Office for the Deaf and Disabled in the Diocese of Biloxi, she founded and directed the de l’Epee Deaf Center. She then ministered as a pastoral care associate in Mobile  until 2003.
In 2004, Sister Coleman joined the Ministry of Prayer at Seton Residence in Evansville, Ind., where she served until the time of her death. She was an inductee in the Gulfport Hall of Honor and she was a published poet.
She was preceded in death by her parents, and by her sister, Sister Mary Andrea Coleman, R.S.M. Donations in Sister’s memory may be made to the Daughters of Charity, 4330 Olive Street, St. Louis, Mo., 63108.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Sister Yvonne Moran, OSU, 90, died Sept. 8 at Mercy Sacred Heart Home in Louisville.
Born in Louisville, she entered the Ursuline Sisters in 1942 after she graduated from Sacred Heart Academy high school. She received her B.A. in elementary education from the former Ursuline College, Louisville.
In the Diocese of Jackson, Sister Moran taught at Camden Sacred Heart Mission School from 1948 to 1954 and from 1956 to 1960. Her teaching ministry also included schools in Indiana and Kentucky.
In later years, Sister Moran was a housemother and childcare worker at St. Joseph Children’s Home and a cook at Angela Merici High School Convent, followed by a ministry of service at the Ursuline Motherhouse, Nazareth Home, and the former Marian Home, all in Louisville. In 2001, she became a resident of the former Marian Home until she moved to Mercy Sacred Heart Home in 2010.
Known for her love of writing for children, she had several plays and poems published in Catholic journals and magazines. She also wrote and designed primary grade activity books for the Daughters of St. Paul Books & Media, Boston.

MOBILE, Ala. – Dr. Christopher P. Puto was formally inaugurated as the 37th president of Spring Hill College on Thursday, Sept. 17.  Puto officially began his term on June 1 at the oldest Jesuit college in the South and the third oldest in the country.
Father Ronald Mercier SJ, provincial for the Jesuits, commissioned Puto and gave him what the Jesuits call a “vow cross” at the ceremony. A vow cross is a

crucifix usually given to Jesuits when they take their first vows. Others on hand to congratulate Puto included Archbishop Thomas Rodi of the Archdiocese of Mobile; Sandy Stimpson, mayor of Mobile and representatives of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities and representatives of the academic community of Spring Hill.
Puto graduated from Spring Hill College in 1964 with a degree in economics. He earned a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Miami and a Ph.D. in business administration with a concentration in marketing from Duke University. He served Spring Hill College as a member of the Board of Trustees from 2003-2012.
Puto’s extensive and diverse background includes numerous accomplishments in academia most notably serving as the former dean of business schools at Georgetown University and St. Thomas University. He has also consulted and worked with numerous large corporations such as Bank of America, Eastman Kodak Company, General Electric Company and Burger King Corporation as well as served in the Vietnam War for which he was awarded a Bronze Star.
“I am honored to be taking my place among the many distinguished leaders of this 185-year-old institution,” Puto said. “I’ve prepared my entire life for this and didn’t even know it. My vision for Spring Hill College is to retain the values and history while laying the foundation to move the college to its bicentennial forward to 2064.”
Puto is the first permanently appointed layperson to serve as Spring Hill College’s president.
The Diocese of Jackson has been connected to the college for more than 25 years through an extension program offering masters degrees in theology and pastoral studies. More information on the program is available online at shc.edu.

JACKSON – Bishop Joseph Kopacz blessed the foundations for two homes set to go up on Greenview Drive in Jackson on Wednesday, Sept. 16, as part of a Habitat for Humanity plan to revitalize

an entire street and hopefully kick off a community renaissance. The choir from Madison St. Joseph School provided music for the event that featured community leaders, neighbors, representatives from supporting parishes and Habitat homeowners.
The homes, the annual Catholic Build and the Pope Francis House, are just the beginning. Later this year the inaugural bankers’ build and the Episcopal build will start projects. Nissan and the ever-popular Womens’ build are planning to participate in 2016.

The Catholic Build is in its 30th year. Parishes all across the metro area join together annually to raise the $80,000 and provide work teams and food for the project. The Pope House is an addition. An anonymous donor provided half the funds, the community raised the other $40,000 to build a home dedicated to Pope Francis.
Bishop Kopacz spoke of his hope that the community would become a place where families could thrive. He pointed out a nearby charter school was working to improve education for the community and personally thanked the many police officers who attended the event, saying he knows they are on the front lines of any community improvement effort.

Greenview Drive is a half-mile of mostly abandoned or derelict properties. On the day of the Habitat event, a tree long dead still rested on a roof of one home, and another home, once boarded up, showed signs that the door had been kicked in.
Habitat has taken on projects similar to this one, turning blocks of run-down rental properties in to family-owned, well-maintained homes. Christopher Coleman, who owns a house renovated by Greenview a few years ago, spoke at the kickoff event, saying how grateful he was for the opportunity to give his family a home of their own. “Welcome to the new Greenview,” he said, to much applause.
Mississippi Catholic will check on the progress of the construction throughout the fall.