Category Archives: Diocesan News

Advocates take Catholic approach to criminal justice reform

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By Andre de Gruy
JACKSON – In 2000, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) issued a statement calling for changes in how this country, deals with the problems of crime and criminal justice. Responsibility, Rehabilitation, and Restoration: A Catholic Perspective on Crime and Criminal Justice, USCCB, Nov. 15, 2000. The Bishops began looking at these problems with the recognition that Catholics believe “the dignity of the human person applies to both victim and offender.”
In preparing the statement, the Bishops consulted Catholics involved in every aspect of the criminal justice system: prison chaplains, police officers, prosecutors, judges, correctional officers, crime victims, offenders and the families of both. Their statement examines Church teaching on crime and punishment, and in light of Catholic Social Teaching makes policy suggestions on this subject. The Bishops end with a call to action by Catholics and other people of good will to work to make the criminal justice system “less retributive and more restorative.”
Beginning in 2013 civil leaders began in earnest to address the need for criminal justice reform in Mississippi. In 2014, after considerable study, our legislature passed HB 585 which significantly altered the state’s approach to criminal justice. Although Mississippi saw decreases in both crime and incarceration after passage of HB 585, the state’s prison population is on the rise again. There is a strong consensus that it is time for more reforms.
In a poll conducted last August more than two-thirds of Mississippi voters said they believed the criminal justice system needed “significant improvements.” Remarkably the support was not just strong but bipartisan. Following the poll the state Reentry Council working with the Governor and Legislative Leaders convened a Criminal Justice Summit in December. In light of this convergence of Church teaching and civil authority initiative, Catholic Charities has again recommended the focus of Catholic Day at the Capitol be Criminal Justice Reform.
Catholic Day 2019 is scheduled for February 27. By that point in the session, a little over halfway, most of the more than 2,500 general bills filed will have died in committee but with the broad support shown so far advocates expect many of the ideas discussed below will be under consideration and in need of Catholic voices of support. .
One of the reasons for the broad support is the recognition that Mississippi’s incarceration crisis removes thousands of people from the economy and costs taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars each year, preventing the state from investing in other critical priorities such as education and drug and mental health treatment. The state’s high incarceration rate is hurting Mississippi’s economy, communities, and families.
In accord with the Bishops’ statement, some of the recommendations would change how we wage the “war on drugs.” The ideas include updating drug court statutes to allow different types of “problem-solving” or “intervention” courts such as mental health courts as well as ensuring people have access to the programs. There is also an initiative to reclassify a person’s first two simple possession charges to misdemeanor rather than felony offenses. These policy recommendations would both reduce the number of people going into prison for drug crimes and the number of people addicted to drugs.
The focus will not just be on the front end trying to keep people from prison or reducing their stay but rather in helping people reenter their communities prepared to succeed as productive members of society. Giving “second chances” isn’t just the right thing to do but keeping communities safe often means providing second chances and holding people accountable in their communities rather than harsher punishments. The “Scarlet F” of a felony follows tens of thousands of Mississippians for their lifetime, preventing many from fully participating in the economy, their families, and their communities.
There will be efforts to change laws to ensure that prior convictions more than 10 years old do not lead to harsher punishments down the road and that expungement, wiping a conviction off a person’s record, is available to most nonviolent offenders.
There are many other barriers to the workforce. Thousands of people are held in jails awaiting trial for misdemeanors each year, which causes job loss and prevents parents from providing for their families. At the same time, people who are serving their sentence in the community on probation or parole face barriers to employment that make it difficult to reintegrate into their families and communities. States across the south have proven it’s possible to balance accountability with employability to ensure that thousands of people are not needlessly locked out of the economy.
Some of the specific proposals designed to get people back to work include employer tax credits for hiring formerly incarcerated citizens, allowing people charged with misdemeanors to await trial at home rather than in jail and not barring people from securing an occupational license because of a conviction of a crime unrelated to the field. For example, many people become skilled barbers in our correctional system yet can’t get a license upon their release.
One of the most pressing reform issues – in fact the top issue for Republicans, independents and Democrats in the Public Opinion Strategies poll – is improving the public defender system to ensure poor people accused of crimes have proper legal representation. This issue has been the subject of years of study. Last summer a task force of judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, legislators and county supervisors issued its final report recommending changes to the system that would bring oversight, accountability and efficiency in efforts to meet this Constitutional mandate.
While there are numerous bills addressing parts of this broad agenda three bill cover most. HB 1415 represents the Public Defender Task Force recommendations. SB 2927 includes addresses most of the initiatives mentioned above including reclassification of simple possession, bail reform for misdemeanors and not allowing old convictions from causing sentence enhancements. HB 1352, titled the Criminal Justice Reform Act, includes many of these reforms as well as the establishment of a “Recidivism Reduction Fund” that would direct savings realized from reducing prison populations to programs designed to prevent new crimes.
Registration for Ctholic Day at the Capitol is open on the website www.catholiccharitiesjackson.org. See page 2 for more information.

(De Gruy is a member of Jackson St. Richard Parish, the diocesan Faith In Action Team and the Mississippi State Public Defender.)

Epiphany traditions include sweets, blessings

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By Berta Mexidor
JACKSON – Epiphany is celebrated in a variety of ways around the world and even around the Diocese of Jackson. From processions to door blessings, each tradition helps remind the community that the Christmas Season starts on Christmas and runs through the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord.
In Carthage, the parish hosted a procession to celebrate the feast. In Corinth, parishioners dressed as the three wise men came to Mass to present gifts at the nativity set in the church and then to give candy and goodies to the children after Mass.
According to tradition, the three wise men represent the admiration of the world for the child that brought salvation. All three show the diversity of the world and the phases of the life of the human being that has to be saved by faith. Their gifts also have symbolic meaning. The Magi brought gold, incense and myrrh.

   

Father Nick Giving Thumbs up at Epiphany

Pope Francis kisses a figurine of the baby Jesus as he celebrates Mass marking the feast of the Epiphany in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican Jan. 6. (CNS photo/Paul Haring)

On January 6, in Rome, Pope Francis explained in his homily” “Gold, the most precious of metals, reminds us God has to be granted first place; he has to be worshiped,” he said. Frankincense is a symbol of the prayer that each person is called to offer God. And myrrh, the same ointment that would later be used to anoint Jesus’ dead body, is a sign of the gift of “care for bodies racked by suffering, the flesh of the vulnerable, of those left behind, of those who can only receive without being able to give anything material in return.”
Other cultures tell the story that Melchior, the gold-bearer, is an old man representing Europe. Gold represents the royalty of the Child King. Gaspar or Caspar is a young Asian who brought incense, for the divinity of the child. Balthazar is the mature man from Africa who offers myrrh, a product to embalm the dead and reflects the humanity of the Lord.
In Europe, Epiphany is a day to bless the house. At Jackson St. Richard School, Father Nick Adam blessed classrooms and “chalked” the doors. In this practice, a priest uses chalk to write the numbers of the year with crosses and the letters C + M + B in between each number. The letters represent the names of the magi as well as the Latin “Christus mansionem benedicat,” or “may Christ bless this house.”
In other cultures, Christmas presents are not exchanged until Epiphany. Often families eat their first “King cake” on this day. The sweet bread has a coin or small baby representing Christ hidden inside. The person who receives the baby is considered lucky for the year and sometimes has to make or buy the next king cake.

(Maureen Smith contributed to this article.)

West Point native appointed to USCCB post

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Allison McGinn

WASHINGTON — West Point, Mississippi native Allison McGinn has been appointed as Executive Director of the Office of Human Resources for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).
McGinn was not raised Catholic. She started RCIA to learn more about the faith when her children started Catholic school in Virginia. She felt called to the church through the classes. Monsignor Brian Bransfield, USCCB General Secretary, made the appointment which took effect January 7.
“Allison has a wealth of experience as a Human Resources professional. I am confident that her skills and abilities will be of tremendous value to the USCCB, and I am grateful to her for accepting this important position in service to the bishops and to the Church,” said Msgr. Bransfield.
McGinn earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Educational Psychology from Mississippi State University. She holds senior-level certifications in Human Resources from both the Society for Human Resources Management and the Human Resources Certification Institute.
Most recently, McGinn was self-employed as a Human Resources Consultant, working with firms in the areas of performance management, employee benefits and compensation, recruiting, HR policy and compliance. Prior to her consulting work, McGinn oversaw the HR function for organizations in the government contracting and airline industries, including over 18 years of service with US Airways.
McGinn lives in Alexandria, VA with her husband and two daughters. They attend the Basilica of St. Mary Church in Old Town.
McGinn takes on the leadership of the department after the tenure of Theresa Ridderhoff, who had served until recently as Executive Director of Human Resources and was appointed as USCCB Associate General Secretary.

Faith Formation Conference: ‘Go forth that all may be one’

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By Fran Lavelle
KENNER, Louisiana – his year the Go! Conference (Gulf Coast Faith Formation Conference), offered a well-balanced and intentional diversity of subjects and speakers focused on the theme, “That All May Be One.” The Conference planners, including the diocesan directors of the region, work to reach as many ministries within parishes and schools as possible while remaining focused on religious formation. We are constantly looking at relevant topics that are spiritually nourishing as well as practical and hands on.
The first day of the Conference this year was quite different from years past. We offered three unique experiences: Liturgy and Music Workshop sponsored by WLP, a panel on the Interface Between Science and Religion sponsored by the University Notre Dame’s McGrath Institute and Leadership Thursday for catechist and formational ministry sponsored by Sadlier. Participants from the three cohorts began their day with Mass at 9:00 a.m. Each of the major workshops reached out to different constituents from STREAM teachers and administrators in Catholic Schools to parish catechists to musicians and liturgists. Hopefully the participants found, in their own niche, great insights and inspiration to bring home.
Karla Luke, Associate Superintendent, Office Catholic Education, a participant in the McGrath Institute’s session on science and religion, is a former teacher of both middle school science and religion. “This event was not only enlightening but also affirming. It gives ‘permission’ to Catholic school teachers to freely incorporate both Science and Religion into the other’s classes,” said Luke. She went on to say, “Furthermore, it clarified that acceptance of scientific theories and laws do not negate one’s faith; but, consequently may enhance it. The workshop not only confirmed my belief in God the Creator but confirmed the love God has for all creation.”


The idea that science and religion are mutually exclusive was addressed head on. Participants were given the examples of Kepler, Galileo, Boyle and Newton, all devoutly religious scientist who saw themselves as uncovering God’s majestic work through scientific reason. Dr. Chris Baglow, of the University of Notre Dame, shared with the group an analogy from Minicius Felix:
If upon entering some home you saw that everything there was well-tended, neat and decorative, you would believe that some master was in charge of it and that he was himself much superior to those good things. So too in the home of this world, when you see providence, order and law in the heavens and on earth, believe that there is a Lord and Author of the universe, more beautiful than the stars themselves and the various parts of the whole world. Minucius Felix (ca.200 AD)
On Saturday, the keynote speaker, Dr. JoAnn Paradise addressed the cultural roadblocks to creating unity over division. She talked about brain science and development of empathy from the womb. She stated that we are programmed in our DNA, on a cellular level, to learn behaviors through visual perception at a very young age — 0-3 months. Our addiction to digital media, in our culture, has worked to the detriment of developing appropriate human responses. God, she contends, planted in our brains a developmental need for an interconnectedness that technology cannot replicate or replace. One of the human responses not being developed is empathy. As we become less empathetic, we can quickly vilify others who look, think, pray and live differently because we see them as different. She showed a picture of three chicken eggs, one white, one light brown and one dark brown. In the following picture, the three eggs had been cracked and were in a frying pan next to one another. They all looked the same. She used the photos to illustrate that it is now more than ever the important work of the Church to proclaim the gospel, to end division and fully live out Catholic social teaching.
This is a rapidly changing cultural and technological world. Understanding current challenges and opportunities in ministry is essential if ministers, catechists and church members are to continue to share the faith. Creating awareness and strategies to deal with these changes is imperative. Mission accomplished for this year’s conference. We had great liturgies, enjoyed good conversations, met inspiring people, reunited with old friends and learned a lot. Save the date for next year’s Conference, “20/20: His Vision — Our Call” January 9-11, 2020.
“I thank thee, Lord God our Creator, that thou allowest me to see the beauty in thy work of creation.” Kepler.

(Fran Lavelle is the Director of Faith Formation for the Diocese of Jackson.)

Parish calendar

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SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT

BROOKSVILLE The Dwelling Place, Beloved Disciples retreat, February 22-23, begins with 6:30 dinner. Life is not about finding ourselves. We are not lost. It is about discovering who God created us to be. We are all beloved of God and if we allow Him control of our lives, He can love each one of us into being that beloved disciple that God describes in his Gospel. During this overnight there will be time to listen, pray and share. Presenter: Kathleen Grusek, Certified Spiritual Director and author of four books on spirituality. Donation: $100. Details: (662) 738-5348 or email dwellpl@gmail.com for more information.
COLLIERVILLE Tenn, Women’s Morning of Spirituality, Saturday, February 23, 8:15 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Catholic Church of the Incarnation, 360 Bray Station Road. Keynote speaker: Johnnette Benkovic Williams; Witness speaker: Sister Rita Marie Kampa, O.P. Love offerings accepted. Details: Mary Beth (901) 853-1819 or wmosmemphis@gmail.com. Register at womensmorning.com.
GREENWOOD Locus Benedictus Retreat Center, “Mary’s Life in the Holy Spirit – A Model for Us” Women’s Retreat hosted by The Ladies’ Auxiliary of the Knights of Columbus, Council #5267, Saturday, February 9 from 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. concluding with a Vigil Mass. Presenter: Catholic evangelist, Andi Oney. Cost: $35 and includes lunch. The retreat is open to all women 18 years and older. Details: www.locusbenedictus.org or (662) 299-1232.
JACKSON Catholic Day at the Capitol will be held on Wednesday, February 27, beginning at 9 a.m. at the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle and wraps up with networking at 3 p.m. The topic is reform aimed at restorative justice – especially in the criminal justice system. Details: Sue Allen at sue.allen@ccjackson.org or 601-383-3849.
World Marriage Day 2019 celebration will be held Sunday, February 24, at 3 p.m. at the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle. There will be a Mass celebrated by Bishop Joseph Kopacz, with a reception immediately following. The Mass honors all married couples, but invites those celebrating their 25th, 50th and 60th anniversaries, or any significant anniversary. Details: Contact Charlene Bearden, at (601) 960-8487, or via email: charlene.bearden@jacksondiocese.org.

PARISH, SCHOOL AND FAMILY EVENTS

CLARKSDALE Catholic Community of St. Elizabeth, Bible study on the Gospel of St Luke meets every Wednesday at noon in the St. Elizabeth Rectory. Details: Libby Antici or church office (662) 624-4301.
GREENWOOD Mardi Gras Ball to benefit St. Francis School, Saturday, February 16, from 7 p.m. – midnight. Leflore County Civic Center. Dinner at 8 p.m. DJ Traxx will provide the music. There will be the traditional coronation of the King and Queen of the Ball, as well as other prizes for participants, along with a 50-50 raffle. Cost: $35 per person. All proceeds benefit St. Francis School. Details: school office (662) 453-9511.
HERNANDO Holy Spirit, Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser, Friday, February 22, 4-8 p.m., Family Life Center. Cost: $10 adults; $5 children 12 and younger. Details: church office (662) 429-7851.
JACKSON St. Peter Cathedral, a Catholic look at advance care planning, Sunday, February 10, at 9:15 a.m. in the Cathedral Center. Presenter: Sister S. Karina Dickey, O.P., Ph.D. Details: church office (601) 969-3125.
St. Richard, “The Letters of Saint Paul” classes, Tuesdays, February 5, 12, 19 and 26 from 9:30 – 11 a.m. in the Chichester Room. Presenter: Mary Louise Jones. All are welcome to attend. Details: church office (601) 366-2335.
MADISON St. Francis of Assisi, Save the Date, Cajun Fest, Sunday, March 5. Includes lots of Cajun food and games for the children. More details will follow. Details: church office (601) 856-5556.
NATCHEZ St. Mary Basilica, World Day of the Sick Mass, Monday, February 11, at 11 a.m. The Mass will be followed by a soup and sandwich lunch in St. Therese Hall. Details: church office (601) 445-5616.
PEARL St. Jude, Knights of Columbus is selling chicken plates. Pickup date is Super Bowl Sunday, February 3, 1-2 p.m. All proceeds will benefit future Knights of Columbus projects. Details: church office (601) 939-3181.
VICKSBURG St. Aloysius High School, library dedication ceremony and reception honoring Father Tom Lalor, Thursday, January 31, in the library immediately following Mass at 9:10 a.m. Details: Kristi Smith at (601) 636-2256.

YOUTH BRIEFS

SAVE THE DATE Diocesan High School Confirmation Retreat, March 30-31, 1 p.m. Saturday – 1p.m. Sunday, Lake Forest Ranch, Macon. Cost is $50 per person. Youth must register through their parish. Registration is due by March 11. Details: Fran Lavelle, (601) 960-8473 or fran.lavelle@jacksondiocese.org
COLUMBUS Annunciation School, Open House, Saturday, February 2, 10 a.m. – noon, Details: Katie Fenstermacher at marketing@annunciationcatholicschool.org or school office (662) 328-4479.
MERIDIAN St. Patrick School, Irish Fest, Sunday, March 3, noon – 4 p.m. Details: school office (601) 482-6044.
SOUTHAVEN Sacred Heart School, Open House, Sunday, February 10 from 2-4 p.m. Recognized by Today’s Catholic Teacher as one of three most innovative Catholic Identity Schools in the U.S. Now accepting applications for the 2019-20 school year. Details: school office (662) 349-0900 or bmartin@shsm.org.

Bishop Howze dies at 95; was founding bishop of Diocese of Biloxi, Miss.

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By Terrance P. Dickson (CNS)
BILOXI – Bishop Joseph Lawson Howze, the founding bishop of the Diocese of Biloxi and the first black bishop in the 20th century to head a U.S. diocese, was laid to rest Wednesday, Jan. 16. He died Jan. 9 at the age of 95.

Bishop Howze

Eight bishops, including Bishop Joseph Kopacz of the Diocese of Jackson, presided at this funeral along with another 50 priests and about as many family members. Archbishop Thomas Rodi, of the Archdiocese of Mobile, presided.
“While we are saddened by the death of Bishop Joseph Lawson Howze, we rejoice in his life,” said Bishop Louis F. Kihneman III of Biloxi. “His was a life well lived in faithful service to almighty God and to the people of Mississippi, both as an auxiliary bishop of the Diocese of Natchez-Jackson and later as first bishop of Biloxi from 1977 to 2001.”
Noting that establishing a new diocese was difficult work, Bishop Kihneman said Bishop Howze was “very proud of what he, with the help of devoted clergy, religious and laity, accomplished during his tenure” and was “forever grateful to the people of the diocese for their unfailing generosity of time, talent and treasure.”
Bishop Kopacz commented on Bishop Howze’s legacy as a leader and evangelizer in the black Catholic community locally and nationally.
Despite deteriorating health in recent years, Bishop Howze remained interested in events in the diocese, Bishop Kihneman said.
“He loved the Diocese of Biloxi and prayed unceasingly for its continued success. He had a genuine concern for the salvation of souls,” he added.
Joseph Lawson Howze was born in Daphne, Alabama, Aug. 30, 1923, to Albert Otis Howze Sr. and Helen (Lawson) Howze. He began his school years at Most Pure Heart of Mary School in Mobile, Alabama, but his first year of school was interrupted in 1928 by the death of his mother, just six days after she bore her fourth child. The eldest, then age 5, young Lawson (Joseph is his baptismal name) was shuttled back and forth between the homes of his grandparents, aunts and father, who later remarried and fathered three more children.
After graduating as valedictorian of his 1944 high school class, a young Lawson Howze graduated with honors and as president of the senior class from Alabama State College. He had intended to study medicine, but instead earned a bachelor’s degree in science and education and began teaching biology and chemistry at Central High School in Mobile.

Bishop Howze first had been a Baptist, then a Methodist, serving as a choir director and church organist and pianist. But while teaching at Central High School he was drawn to the Catholic faith through the example of Marion Carroll Jr., one of seven Catholic students in his biology class. Soon he began instruction in the Catholic faith under the direction of Josephite Father Benjamin Horton.
At age 25 on Dec. 4, 1948, he was baptized a Catholic at Most Pure Heart of Mary Church in Mobile. An interest in the priesthood soon developed. After inquiring about becoming a priest with Bishop Vincent S. Waters of Raleigh, North Carolina, he later was adopted as a student for the diocese and began studies at the Diocesan Preparatory Seminary in Buffalo, New York.
The young Howze became the first black priest ordained in North Carolina, when he was welcomed to the priesthood in 1959 in the Diocese of Raleigh. He subsequently celebrated his first Mass at the parish in Mobile where he was baptized. He served as pastor of several parishes in North Carolina during his 13 years of ministry there.
In November 1972, St. Paul VI appoint Father Howze as auxiliary bishop of the Diocese of Natchez-Jackson, Mississippi. His episcopal ordination followed on Jan. 28, 1973, in Jackson.
Within a year, Bishop Howze accepted the presidency of the National Black Catholic Clergy Caucus.
On March 8, 1977, Bishop Howze was appointed as the first bishop of the newly established Diocese of Biloxi.
Bishop Joseph Latino, bishop emeritus of the Diocese of Jackson, sent his condolences to the church in Biloxi. “From being a convert to Catholicism and then following His Lord’s call to the priesthood, Bishop Howze was fully enveloped in his Christian faith. With his appointment as auxiliary bishop of the then Diocese of Natchez-Jackson and subsequent historic appointment as the first Bishop of Biloxi, he ministered through good times and challenges with the steady hand and heart of a devoted shepherd,” said Bishop Latino.
During his leadership of the Biloxi Diocese, Bishop Howze served on several U.S. bishops’ committees focusing on justice, peace, interreligious and ecumenical affairs, and black Catholic ministry.
Bishop Howze held several honorary degrees and was a member of the Knights of Peter Claver and the Knights of Columbus.
He retired May 15, 2001, after serving the Biloxi Diocese for 24 years.
After his funeral, a horse-drawn carriage took him to the newly-esablished prayer garden for bishops behind the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Cathedral.

(Dickson is editor of Gulf Pine Catholic, newspaper of the Diocese of Biloxi. Maureen Smith contributed to this report.)

Tome Nota

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Educación de la Fe
• Pearl, St. Jude. Sábado, 16 de febrero de 8 a.m. a 5 p.m. Taller “Administración y Finanzas
• Tupelo, St. James. Sábado, 16 de febrero de 8 a.m. a 5 p.m. Curso” El Apocalipsis”

Vírgenes y Santos
Fiesta de la presentación del Señor. Fiesta de la Purificación de María Santísima y Día de la Candelaria. Sábado 2 de febrero.
Nuestra Señora de Supaya. Patrona de Honduras. Domingo 3 de febrero
Nuestra Señora de Lourdes. Lunes, 11 de febrero
San Valentín. Patrono de los Enamorados. 14 de febrero

Diócesis
Vicksburg, Conferencia Diocesana para Jóvenes: Fe, Esperanza y Amor “Faith, Hope, and Love”. Del 1 al 3 de Febrero.
Jackson, Catedral de San Pedro. El Día Mundial del Matrimonio 2019. Domingo 24 de febrero a las 3 p.m. con Misa celebrada por el obispo Joseph R. Kopacz. La misa honrará a todas las parejas casadas. Se invita especialmente a los que celebran sus 25, 50 o 60 aniversarios, o cualquier aniversario significativo.

Convocatoria
Retiro Diocesano de Confirmación a celebrarse en Marzo 30-31 en Lake Forest Ranch, en Macon, MS. El costo es de $50.00 por persona e incluye comida, hospedaje y playera. La registración tiene que ser a través de la parroquia. El plazo de registro se vence el 11 de marzo de 2019

Obituario. Obispo Howze. EPD

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Bishop Howze

Por Terrance P. Dickson (CNS)
BILOXI – El obispo Joseph Lawson Howze, obispo fundador de la Diócesis de Biloxi y primer obispo negro de los Estados Unidos en el siglo XX, fue puesto a descansar el miércoles, 16 de enero. Falleció el 9 de enero a la edad de 95 años.
El arzobispo Thomas Rodi, de la Arquidiócesis de Mobile y ocho obispos, incluido el obispo Joseph Kopacz de la Diócesis de Jackson, presidieron este funeral junto con otros 50 sacerdotes y miembros de su familia. “Mientras estamos tristes por la muerte del obispo Joseph Lawson Howze, nos regocijamos en su vida”, dijo el obispo Louis F. Kihneman III de Biloxi. “Fue una vida bien vivida en servicio fiel a Dios todopoderoso y al pueblo de Misisipi, como obispo auxiliar de la Diócesis de Natchez-Jackson y como primer obispo de Biloxi de 1977 a 2001”.
El Obispo Kihneman dijo que el Obispo Howze estaba “muy orgulloso y que “siempre estuvo agradecido a la gente de la diócesis por su infalible generosidad de tiempo, talento y tesoro”. El obispo Kopacz comentó sobre el legado del obispo Howze como líder y evangelizador en la comunidad católica negra a nivel local y nacional.

(Dickson es editor de Gulf Pine Catholic, periódico de la Diócesis de Biloxi. Maureen Smith contribuyó con este reportaje).

Bautizados para transformar al mundo

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Por Padre Roberto Mena, ST
FOREST– La Epifanía fue la manifestación de la divinidad de Cristo ante el mundo, y su bautismo es una nueva “epifanía”; Dios mismo revela a su pueblo que Jesucristo es su Hijo. Cuando se oyó la voz del Padre, el cielo se abrió para todos nosotros. Con Cristo, celebramos también nosotros nuestro bautismo, que es nuestro nacimiento a la vida de la gracia.
Hermanas y hermanos:
1. Refiere San Lucas que cuando todo el pueblo se hacía bautizar por Juan, también Jesús acudió a hacerse bautizar. ¿No es acaso lo que ya había hecho por el misterio de su Encarnación, Mezclarse con los hombres y entrar en la corriente de su historia? Había venido a hacerse solidario de los hombres en todo; no en el pecado, pero sí en las consecuencias del pecado. Esta es la novedad de su doctrina. Jesús se acerca a los pecadores como amigo; no como el moralista que busca culpables, ni como el juez que dicta condenas, sino como el hermano que predica el perdón.
¡Cuántas veces las personas que han caído y a las que fácilmente condenamos, están necesitando más que nuestras críticas ligeras, una comprensión y una ayuda que les dé fuerza para renovar su vida!

2. El Bautismo de Jesús fue como su presentación en sociedad por parte de Dios. Dios rompe su silencio, irrumpe públicamente para sacarlo de su anonimato al comienzo de su vida pública, y presentarlo ante todos como su enviado, como el Mesías esperado, como el Mesías definitivo. Este Jesús, que se deja bautizar por Juan, mezclado anónimamente entre el pueblo, no es un hombre cualquiera, es el “Hijo, el amado, el predilecto”. También nosotros hemos sido bautizados. Contemplando el bautismo de Jesús, recordamos también el nuestro.
3. El día de Nuestro Bautismo algo se ha encendido dentro de nuestro corazón. Es el fuego del Espíritu Santo que a través de nosotros viene a transformar el mundo. Lo decía la carta a Diogneto: “Lo que el alma es para el cuerpo, eso son los cristianos para el mundo”. El cristiano es un apóstol por vocación. ¡Cómo cambiaría el mundo si fuéramos fieles a esta exigencia!
En el bautismo nos hacemos hijos de Dios, recibimos los dones del Espíritu. Los laicos de hoy deben ser capaces de ofrecer soluciones nuevas a los nuevos problemas, inspirados en la fe de siempre. Estamos integrados en el mundo, en la escuela, en el arte, en la política, en el trabajo y allí debemos sembrar la semilla de Cristo sin convertirnos en prisioneros de sus falsos mitos.
Hermanos y hermanas: Somos cristianos por el bautismo, pero ¿Vivimos como cristianos? Algunos se suman a las estadísticas porque están inscritos en los registros parroquiales, pero no conocen a Cristo ni cumplen los mandamientos; se entiende que entre ellos esté de moda la apostasía. ¡Confirma tu fe y la de tus hermanos! Valora los dones recibidos, cuídalos y agradécelos a Dios.

(El padre Roberto Mena, ST es Ministro sacramental de St. Michael en Forest)