Happy Ordination Anniversary – Thank you for answering the call!

June 11
Msgr. Patrick Farrell
Retired

Father Thomas Lalor
Retired

June 12
Father Kent Bowlds
Our Lady of Victories, Cleveland

Father Frank Cosgrove
Retired

Father Gerry Hurley
St. Paul, Flowood

June 13
Father Mike O’Brien
Retired

Father Mario Solorzano
St. James the Less, Corinth


June 14
Msgr. Mike Flannery
Retired

Father Tom McGing
Retired

Father David O’Connor
Retired

June 15
Father David Szatkowski, SCJ
Catholic Parishes of Northwest MS

June 16
Father Jeffrey Waldrep
Annunciation, Columbus

June 18
Father Anthony Quyet
Retired

June 26
Deacon David Gruseck
Annunciation, Columbus

June 27
Father Andrew Nguyen
Immaculate Heart of Mary, Greenwood

Father Cesar Sanchez
St. Jude, Pearl

Father Marco Sanchez, ST
St. Anne, Carthage & St. Therese, Kosciusko

June 28
Father Stephen Okojie
St. Stephen Magee & St. Therese Jackson

July 16
Deacon Mark Bowden
St. Jude, Pearl

Deacon Dien Hoang
Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle, Jackson

Deacon Wesley Lindsay
Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle, Jackson

Deacon John Pham
St. Michael, Forest

Deacon David Rouch
St. Michael, Vicksburg

Deacon Tony Schmidt
St. Paul, Flowood

August 5
Msgr. Elvin Sunds
Retired

August 14
Father AnthonyClaret Onyeocha
St. Joseph, Woodville & Holy Family, Gloster

School Sisters of St. Francis celebrate jubilees

By Michael O’Loughlin
MILWAUKEE, Wis. – On June 21, 34 School Sisters of St. Francis in the United States will celebrate milestone anniversaries of service as women religious. In addition, one lay woman in associate relationship with the community will celebrate her 50-year Jubilee, and another will celebrate 40 years. Two sisters’ ministries include service in the Diocese of Jackson.

80 Years – Sister Frances Kloewer
Sister Frances Kloewer (Mary Bennet) is celebrating 80 years of consecrated life.

Sister Frances was born in Harlan, Iowa. She has a bachelor of science degree in education from Alverno College, and a master of science degree in education from the University of Nebraska.

In the Diocese of Jackson, Sister Frances served as principal and teacher at Christ the King School in Jackson (1957-1966); taught at St. Francis School in Yazoo City (1967-1970), and Holy Family School in Jackson (1970-1972).

She now ministers through her prayer and presence at Sacred Heart Convent in Milwaukee.

75 Years – Sister Dorothy Hegemann
Sister Dorothy Hegemann (Myriam) is celebrating 75 years of consecrated life.

Sister Dorothy was born in Howells, Nebraska. She has a bachelor’s degree from Alverno College in Milwaukee.

In the Diocese of Jackson, Sister taught at St. Mary School in Holly Springs (1954-1958) and St. Francis High School in Yazoo City (1958-1959). She now ministers through her prayer and presence at Sacred Heart Convent in Milwaukee.

Note: Cards may be mailed to sister’s name, Attn: Jubilee Committee, 1515 S. Layton Blvd., Milwaukee, WI 53215.

The School Sisters of St. Francis are an international community of Catholic sisters devoted to education, healthcare, and social justice ministries around the world. Founded in 1874, they continue to serve with compassion and faith. Learn more at schoolsistersosf.org.

St. Dominic Health dedicates Jackson’s location of St. Vincent de Paul Community Pharmacy

By Staff Reports
JACKSON – St. Dominic Health, a part of the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System, joyfully hosted the blessing and dedication ceremony for the new St. Vincent de Paul Community Pharmacy, open at the St. Dominic Center Complex in Jackson on May 14.

This marks Mississippi’s third location for the pharmacy, which is licensed by the Mississippi Board of Pharmacy to dispense non-controlled medication. It provides free prescriptions and wellness education to uninsured and underserved individuals. The initial collaborators are St. Vincent de Paul Community Pharmacy and Stewpot Community Services along with individuals served at St. Dominic’s Sister Trinita Community Clinic. Other partners are welcome.

Jackson’s location of the St. Vincent de Paul Community Pharmacy operates on the ground floor of St. Dominic’s Saxony building at 3820 I-55 North Frontage Road. (Photo courtesy of St. Dominic Health)

“This endeavor reflects our ongoing commitment to compassionate healthcare,” said Jeremy Tinnerello, president of St. Dominic Health and the Jackson market. “By donating the space and supporting operations, we continue and expand our commitment to serve those most in need in our community.”

The pharmacy is in the Saxony building of the St. Dominic Center Complex at 3820 Interstate 55 North Frontage Road and operates two days a week.

Samuel Burke, St. Vincent de Paul Community Pharmacy executive director, said, “Our doors are open from 9 a.m. until noon. Eligibility is done on Tuesdays and walk-in services are available on Thursdays.”

A shuttle service is available from Sister Trinita Community Clinic and Stewpot Community Services to the pharmacy on Tuesdays and Thursdays during operating hours.

The pharmacy serves eligible patients referred through community clinics, charitable organizations and healthcare providers. Medications are provided to individuals with current prescriptions at no cost, sourced from unused, unopened medications donated by licensed facilities.

“Our volunteers are ready to assist with the qualification process and getting individuals the medicine they desperately need. The eligibility process usually takes about an hour,” Burke added.

Know someone in need? Share this resource at https://svdprx.org/apply-for-assistance.

For more information about the pharmacy, its services, making referrals or volunteering call (601) 326-1717.

El padre Frank Cosgrove celebra 60 años de sacerdocio con amor,risas y un legado

Por Joe Lee
MADISON – Ed Donohoe no tuvo que viajar tan lejos como los familiares del padre Frank Cosgrove, que vinieron desde Irlanda para ver al querido sacerdote celebrar la misa y conmemorar el 60.º aniversario de su ordenación, un evento que tuvo lugar el 2 de junio en la iglesia de San Francisco de Asís, en Madison.
Pero 1200 millas era un largo viaje para Donohoe, y no era un viaje barato. ¿Por qué era tan importante para él unirse a la celebración al otro lado del país?

“Porque el padre Frank era como de la familia”, dijo Donohoe, un residente de Colorado que acababa de presentarse para el servicio en la Estación Aérea Naval Meridian en 2008 cuando se conocieron. El padre Frank, entonces párroco de la iglesia de San Patricio, conducía media hora hasta la capilla de la base para celebrar la misa. No tardaron mucho en hacerse amigos.

MADISON – De izquierda a derecha, el diácono John McGregor, Keith Comish, el padre Frank Cosgrove, Cathy Comish y el diácono Denzil Lobo escuchan las lecturas de la misa durante la celebración del 60.º aniversario de la ordenación sacerdotal del padre Cosgrove en la iglesia de San Francisco, en Madison, el lunes 2 de junio de 2025. (Fotos de Tereza Ma)
El padre Frank Cosgrove se prepara para cortar un pastel especial en celebración de su 60.º aniversario de ordenación, acompañado por el padre Albeen Vatti, párroco de St. Francis of Assisi en Madison, y Frances Patterson.

Los miembros de la familia Cosgrove, entre ellos el hermano del padre Frank, Eamonn, su hermana Ruth y sus sobrinos nietos, que visitaban Estados Unidos por primera vez, volaron más de 4000 millas para participar en la misa y disfrutar de la recepción. Más de 50 sacerdotes de todas las diócesis católicas de Jackson y Biloxi acudieron para apoyarlo, y católicos de todo Misisipi (y un número sorprendente de no católicos) abarrotaron el santuario de San Francisco.

Escucharon una homilía basada en sus nuevas memorias, “Sir, Do You Know Where You Are Going?” (Señor, ¿sabe adónde va?), en la que se refirió a menudo a la unidad.

“La celebración significa mucho para mí”, dijo Ralph Eubanks, quien conoce al padre Frank desde que era estudiante en Ole Miss hace dos generaciones, cuando el padre Frank era párroco de la iglesia St. John. “Era un hombre dedicado a la verdad, denunciaba el pecado del racismo y creía en unir a las personas”.

“Casó a mis padres (Ed y Cindy Hannan) hace 48 años”, dijo Anabeth Hannan Duncan, feligresa de St. Francis. “Me bautizó hace 31 años y me casó hace tres años. Pasamos la Nochebuena con él todos los años. Cuando pienso en Dios, veo al padre Frank, imaginándolo unos centímetros más alto”.

“El padre Frank y yo nos conocemos desde 1969, cuando era vicario en St. Peter”, dijo Charlene Bearden. “Me ayudó a conseguir una audiencia con el papa San Juan Pablo II en 1987, cuando estuvo en Nueva Orleans. Lo hizo a través de la National Black Catholic Leadership. Ha influido en la vida de muchas personas de muchas maneras”.

“Lo conozco desde que era adolescente, cuando era nuestro párroco en Ole Miss”, dijo Mary Johnson Coyle. “He sido su amiga durante toda mi vida adulta. Estando con él, uno quería ser mejor católico. Es un hombre encantador y maravilloso que une a todo el mundo”.

“Mi marido John y yo fuimos miembros fundadores de St. Francis”, dijo Mary Kraft. “El padre Frank ha sido maravilloso con nuestra familia. Nuestra hija y otra niña pequeña comenzaron en la CYO en St. Francis bajo su tutela. Nos pidió que fuéramos ministros eucarísticos, pero le dije que nos gustaría ser monaguillos, y fuimos los primeros monaguillos adultos”.

En la recepción celebrada en el centro familiar St. Francis, el padre Frank dedicó tiempo a todos los que querían un abrazo, una selfie o un minuto o dos para darle las gracias. La celebración se prolongó hasta bien entrada la noche. El padre Frank, que ahora tiene más de ochenta años y está afectado por el Parkinson, seguía en pie con una gran sonrisa en el rostro.

Las memorias tuvieron un gran éxito, vendiéndose casi 200 ejemplares en el evento. Están disponibles por 20 dólares hasta agotar existencias en las oficinas parroquiales de San Patricio en Meridian, San Juan en Oxford, San Pablo en Brandon y San Francisco de Asís en Madison.

Más fotografías

(Joe Lee es el editor jefe de Dogwood Press y miembro de la parroquia de St. Francis of Assisi, en Madison).

Diocesan schools show faith and excellence in Cognia reaccreditation

By Staff Reports
JACKSON – The Diocese of Jackson’s Office of Catholic Education recently completed a major milestone with its system reaccreditation review conducted by Cognia, Inc., from April 8–10, 2025. The review was led by Dr. Michael Bratcher, Cognia’s Director of Accreditation Services and the national liaison for Catholic school accreditation. His extensive experience and expertise in evaluating Catholic institutions made him especially well-suited to assess our system’s distinct governance structure, Canonical foundations and deeply rooted Catholic identity.

JACKSON – On April 8, Father Joe Tonos, Father Gerry Hurley, Father Albeen Vatti and Father Kevin Slattery met with executive director of Catholic Education Karla Luke and Dr. Michael Bratcher, director of accreditation services for Cognia. The Diocese of Jackson received a score of 389 out of 400 by Cognia for outstanding efforts of educators and administrators, who are committed to excellence and mission-driven service. (Photo by Tereza Ma)

Unlike public or independent schools, Catholic school systems require evaluators who understand the unique relationships between pastors and principals, the influence of Canon Law, and the integral role of faith in daily instruction. Dr. Bratcher’s presence marked a significant response to longstanding requests for accreditation professionals who can truly appreciate these complexities.

The Office of Catholic Education was evaluated across four primary domains: Culture of Learning, Leadership for Learning, Engagement of Learning, and Growth in Learning – encompassing 30 rigorous standards. These areas, designed with the student as the central stakeholder, were assessed through surveys, performance data and in-depth classroom observations.

Cognia accreditation is internationally recognized for its high standards and emphasis on continuous improvement. The Diocese of Jackson first earned this prestigious system-wide accreditation in 2019. Under this model, every school in the diocesan system shares in the accreditation status, promoting consistency, excellence and accountability throughout.

Following this year’s engagement review, the Diocese of Jackson received an Index of Educational Quality (IEQ) score of 389 out of 400 – an exceptional result that stands 93 points above Cognia’s global network average of 296. This achievement reflects the outstanding efforts of diocesan Catholic school educators and administrators, who remain committed to excellence and mission-driven service.

Karla Luke, executive director of Catholic Schools said that to achieve a score of this caliber means diocesan school systems are solid, the best practices are imbedded in operations and instruction, and the diocesan Catholic school system is continuously striving for improvement.

“I am so very proud of the efforts of our Catholic School community in the entire Diocese of Jackson. I would like to thank our teachers and administrators for consistently delivering such high-quality education to our students,” said Luke.

The diocese extends special thanks to the leadership team that helped prepare for the review: Mary Arledge (Vicksburg Catholic Schools), Kimberley Burkley (Cathedral Catholic School), Dr. Dena Kinsey (St. Joseph Catholic School, Madison), and Office of Catholic Education staff members Rachel Patterson and Virginia Hollingsworth.

“With this outstanding reaccreditation behind them, diocesan leaders look forward to sharing more exciting developments in Catholic education in the months ahead,” said Luke.

(To learn more about Cognia Accreditation and review performance standards visit https://www.cognia.org/accreditation.)

CSA feature: Family Ministry

Pictured are Hannah and Mario Villasenor, parishioners of St. Therese Church in Jackson. The couple have found joy and purpose in assisting other couples prepare for the sacrament of matrimony through working with the Office of Family Ministry as presenters at Engaged Encounter. Both express gratitude for support given through the Catholic Service Appeal to assist family ministry throughout the diocese. (Photo courtesy of Hannah and Mario Villasenor)

When Hannah and Mario Villasenor, parishioners at St. Therese Catholic Church in Jackson, signed up for an Engaged Encounter weekend before their wedding in October 2021, they never imagined they would one day be a presenting couple.

“We thought someone would call us once we had been married long enough or had somehow become good enough at marriage,” Hannah laughed. “So, when Debbie Tubertini, from the Office of Family Ministry, reached out and asked us to present, we were honestly surprised. We did not think she meant us!”

Their first weekend as a presenting couple was in April 2023. Since then, Hannah and Mario have found joy and purpose in sharing their story with other engaged couples preparing for the sacrament of marriage.

“We remember what it felt like to sit in those chairs, listening to the presenters and thinking, ‘Wow, they really have it all figured out,’” said Mario. “Even though they told us they were not experts, it sure seemed like they were.”

Now as presenters, Hannah and Mario strive to offer something different and authentic. “We want the couples to take what resonates and use it in their own relationships,” Mario said.

“There’s no such thing as a perfect marriage – just two people choosing every day to love and serve one another the best they can.”

Beyond helping others, the experience has deepened their own relationship. “It’s a chance to pause, reflect on our own marriage, and grow. We leave each retreat reminded of why we said yes in the first place,” according to Hannah.

Hannah and Mario expressed gratitude to those who support the Catholic Service Appeal, “Your gifts are changing lives,” Mario said. “They’re helping couples build strong, faith-filled foundations for their future. If you have not yet given, we hope you will consider it. Every gift, no matter the size, makes a difference.”

Pastoral Assignments

Rev. Joseph Le appointed pastor of Corinth St. James Parish and Sacramental Minister of Booneville St. Francis Parish and its mission St. Mary in Iuka, effective July 1, 2025.
Rev. Joseph Golamari appointed Administrator of St. Mary Parish in Yazoo City, All Saints Parish in Belzoni and its mission Our Mother of Mercy in Anguilla, effective July 1, 2025.
Rev. Gabriel Savarimuthu appointed Administrator of St. Francis Parish in Aberdeen and St. Helen Parish in Amory, effective July 1, 2025.
Rev. Panneer Arockiam appointed chaplain of St. Dominic Hospital in Jackson, effective July 1, 2025.
Rev. Mario Solorzano appointed Administrator Pro Tempore in residence of Sacred Heart in Canton, effective July 1, 2025.
Through the kindness of the Diocese of Warangal and the acceptance of Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz, Rev. Albeenreddy Vatti, pastor of St. Francis of Assisi parish in Madison has been incardinated into the Diocese of Jackson.

Happy Ordination Anniversary – Thank you for answering the call!

May 27
Rev. Carlisle Beggerly
Catholic Community of Meridian

Rev. Charles Bucciantini
Retired

May 29
Rev. Guy Blair, SCJ
Catholic Parishes of Northwest MS

Rev. Hilary Brzezinski, OFM
St. Francis, Greenwood

Rev. Sam Messina
Retired

May 31
Rev. Nick Adam
Cathedral of St. Peter, Jackson

Rev. Lincoln Dall
Holy Savior, Clinton

Rev. Binh Chau Nguyen
Immaculate Conception, West Point

Rev. José de Jesus Sanchéz
St. Joseph, Greenville

Rev. Rusty Vincent
St. Paul, Vicksburg

Rev. Aaron Williams
Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary & Basilica of St. Mary Natchez

June 1
Rev. Paul Phong Hoang, SCJ
Catholic Parishes of Northwest MS

Rev. Anthony Okwum, SSJ
Holy Family, Natchez & St. Anne, Fayette

June 2
Rev. Guy Wilson, ST
Holy Child Jesus, Canton & Sacred Heart, Camden

June 4
Rev. Joe Tonos
St. Richard, Jackson

Deacon Jeff Artigues &
Deacon John McGinley
St. Joseph, Starkville

Deacon Denzil Lobo
Christ the King, Jackson

Deacon John McGregor
St. Jude, Pearl

Deacon Ted Schreck
Catholic Parishes of Northwest MS

June 6
Rev. PJ Curley
Retired

June 7
Rev. Aloys Jost, OFM
St. Francis, Greenwood

Rev. Kevin Slattery
St. John, Crystal Springs & St. Martin, Hazlehurst

June 8
Rev. Thomas Delaney
Retired

June 10
Rev. Robert Dore
St. Michael, Vicksburg

June 11
Msgr. Patrick Farrell
Retired

Rev. Thomas Lalor
Retired

June 12
Rev. Kent Bowlds
Our Lady of Victories, Cleveland

Rev. Frank Cosgrove
Retired

Rev. Gerry Hurley
St. Paul, Flowood

June 13
Rev. Mike O’Brien
Retired

Rev. Mario Solorzano
St. James the Less, Corinth

June 14
Msgr. Mike Flannery
Retired

Rev. Tom McGing
Retired

Rev. David O’Connor
Retired

June 15
Rev. David Szatkowski, SCJ
Catholic Parishes of Northwest MS

June 16
Rev. Jeffrey Waldrep
Annunciation, Columbus

Garden Project at Central Mississippi Correctional Facility brings new life to inmates

By Madelyn Johnson
PEARL – On April 4, 2025, Bishop Joseph Kopcaz and Father Lincoln Dall blessed the gardens at Central Mississippi Correctional Facility (CMCF) in Pearl. The gardens are part of the Garden Project, a rehabilitation project at CMCF.

The goal of the Garden Project is to help the inmates increase their earnings after being released from prison. The project teaches men not only the basic aspects of gardening but also gives them the ability to better their family’s living conditions. Shaw hopes it will help incarcerated individuals with the ability to become safer members of society and commit fewer crimes.

There are two phases to the Garden Project – home gardening and farmers market management. Books and literature are donated by the Mississippi State University Agriculture Extension to assist with learning. The goal of these phases is to help men harvest and plant their own gardens, and to possibly create and manage their own booth at a local farmers market.

Michael Shaw is the recreational director at CMCF. The Garden Project was one of his ideas to create additional value to time served.

PEARL – Father Lincoln Dall is moved by the sign inmates at the Central Mississippi Correctional Facility (CMCF) had made for him at the Garden Project at the facility. More photos can be viewed at jacksondiocese.zenfoliosite.com. (Photo by Madelyn Johnson)

“What is needed is a way to supplement income for these guys here, says Shaw. “Getting out of prison, they will make on average $9 per hour. With the garden project, we can teach these guys how to grow their own gardens and bring that income up to $11 per hour.”

Shaw recalls his time at CMCF, stating that he kept to himself until he saw the need for more programs for rehabilitation for the inmates. Shaw worked on many different projects, like writing classes, until being promoted to recreational director. Wanting to produce a safer society and give the chance for incarcerated men to help their families once released from prison is Shaw’s main goal.

“These guys that come in have big families, some five or six kids,” says Shaw. “When they are released they have no work, no family resources and low income. They need a way to subsidize their income.”

The community can help with the Garden Project by shopping at local farmers markets. “We don’t need monetary or physical donations,” says Shaw. “We need people to shop at local farmers markets to support our guys.”

What Shaw really wants the community to know is this quote from Dorothy Day, “Why was so much done in remedying evil instead of avoiding it in the first place?”

Currently, the gardens at CMCF are flourishing, the inmates just harvested their first vegetables: cabbage and lettuce. Father Lincoln recently brought in homemade salad dressing so that the inmates could enjoy their harvests. The men are hopeful that a local farmers market will allow them to sell their crops soon. Shaw received a 2025 Bishop Chanche Award for his efforts on the Garden Project.

Millions of Monicas: A movement of prayer, hope and faith

By Madelyn Johnson
GLUCKSTADT – Many Catholic mothers carry deep concern about their children’s faith. Whether praying for strength as their children face life’s struggles or longing for them to return to the church, these mothers often turn to St. Monica – patron saint of mothers – for guidance and hope.
Inspired by St. Monica’s unwavering devotion, Millions of Monicas is a growing movement of women who gather at a local parish to pray for the faith of their children and loved ones who have strayed from the church.

GLUCKSTADT – A portrait depicting St. Monica sits at the front of the sanctuary of St. Joseph parish in Gluckstadt. Women gather in prayer at 6:30 p.m. every Tuesday at the parish, asking for the intercession of St. Monica in the lives of their children. (Photo courtesy of St. Joseph Gluckstadt’s Millions of Monicas)

Meeting once a week, the group strives to encounter God through prayer for their children. Since its inception in June 2021 in Grand Rapids, Michigan by three mothers who were struggling with their children’s faith journey in this tumultuous world, Millions of Monicas has grown to over 2,000 members in over 100 parishes. Each group is affiliated with a local parish and follows a simple, consistent format rooted in quiet prayer versus personal sharing or discussion.

Jane VanHouten is one of the founding members of the movement. When asked about the impact she hopes Millions of Monicas will make she says, “We at Millions of Monicas do not seek anything but what God wills for our ministry. It started with just three women fervently praying for each other’s children and has been lovingly anointed by God’s grace to grow and move hearts toward Him.”

In the Diocese of Jackson, St. Joseph Church in Gluckstadt hosts a Millions of Monicas group every Tuesday. The group started much like the original group with a few women who wanted to pray for the faith of their struggling children and sought guidance from their priest.

Fran Patterson, another member of the group, began praying to St. Monica when her children were young, asking the saint to have her intercede and help her be a faithful model of the Catholic faith for her four children. Today, Millions of Monicas continues to nourish her spiritually.

“For me, it has been very powerful to pray with this group of women each week,” says Patterson. “Knowing that each week there are several women who are praying for me and my specific prayer intention – and that I get to do the same for them – has strengthened my faith. I love this ministry because it is simply a holy hour of prayer. We come knowing what to expect and do not need to share any details or are ever expected to, we are there to pray – with and for one another and ourselves.”
Patterson brings words of welcome and encouragement to women who may be hesitant to join, as Millions of Monicas will always strive to help Catholic women pray for their children and others return to the faith.

“Prayer is powerful and prayer as a group is even more so,” says Patterson. “This is not a time of personal sharing of your story but a very intentional and structured time of prayer. The goal is to unite our hearts and prayers together each week as we pray for our loved ones and ourselves. The group is made up of mothers, stepmothers, grandmothers, godmothers, aunts, spiritual mothers, confirmation sponsors, etc.”

The Millions of Monicas group at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Gluckstadt meets every Tuesday from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. All women are welcome to join in this sacred hour of intercessory prayer.

St. Monica, pray for us!