By Gene Buglewicz

Simon Quiriconi and Cristian Costa, artists from Stagi Masaici Artistici in Pietrasanta, Italy, recently completed installing a glass mosaic on the south face of St. John the Evangelist Church in Oxford.  The mosaic was created in their Italian studio where they produced and crafted thousands of pieces of colored glass that would complete the mosaic.  

 The mosaic was first laid out face down, backside up.  A composite material, similar to paper with glue attached was spread over the glass pieces. After drying, contour lines were drawn over the paper material dividing the mosaic into pieces.  It was then divided into pieces following the contour lines and packed for shipment to the United States.  After arriving in Oxford, the boxes were unloaded and the mosaic re-constructed, again, face down. 

 It took only three days to complete the project once the Italian artists arrived in Oxford and began work.  They first laid out the mosaic on the floor and made sure the lines on the back of the mosaic all matched and fit together like a puzzle.  The large pieces of mosaic were then pressed onto the front niche on the outside of the Church and the mosaic took shape. The glass surface, now permanently exposed to the outside and bonded to the church, was smeared with grout, similar to grouting bathtub tile.  After drying, the glass pieces were cleaned.  Final plans call for the mosaic to be permanently lit at night.

The mosaic is a depiction of St. John the Evangelist.  He is shown on a rocky landscape which is representative of Patmos where he composed the Book of Revelation.  John is typically shown as either a clean-shaven young man or a bearded old man.  The mosaic portrays John as he is maturing, which is representative of the role the parish plays as students at the University of Mississippi begin to mature in their faith.  

 St. John is shown wearing the colors of blue and red, which are not only the colors of the University of Mississippi but the colors associated with the Divine Mercy; Spirit and Water.  The eagle is his attribute and seen flying across a night sky.  Although the eagle is not a night predator, the use of night and the bright moon acknowledge the themes of darkness and light which play out in John’s Gospel.

The mosaic was a gift to St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church from Knights of Columbus Council 10901 of St. John.  This depiction of St. John was created by Lee Ann O’Keefe, a member of St. John’s Parish, and facilitated by Catholic Supply of St. Louis, Missouri.

SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT
BROOKSVILLE The Dwelling Place, St. Teresa of Avila’s The Interior Castle, July 19-20, Beginning with dinner Friday at 6:30 p.m. to Saturday at 3:30 p.m. St. Teresa describes how the soul is like a diamond in the shape of a castle that contains seven mansions – symbolic of the seven stages of a journey of faith which culminates in union with God. Presenter: Father John Bohn, Pastor of Jackson St. Richard, is a long-time student of St. Teresa and St. John of the Cross. Donation: $100. Details: (662) 738-5348 or email dwellpl@gmail.com.
CHATAWA SSt. Mary of the Pines Retreat Center, With Burning Hearts Henri J.M. Nouwen’s meditative book, June 16-22. We read in the Emmaus story “Did not our hearts burn within us?” Both sources, contemporary writers and Sacred Scripture, will form the basis for reflection on Eucharist as sacrament and way of life. Begins with dinner on Sunday and concludes with breakfast on Saturday. Presenter: Sister Kate DuVal, SSND. Suggested donation: $450. Details: Sister Sue Von Bank (601) 783-0801 or retreatcenter@ssndcp.org.
CULLMAN, Ala., Benedictine Sisters Retreat Center, Common Wisdom: Parallels in Benedictine and Twelve-Step Spiritualities, Saturday, July 13, 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. We cannot save ourselves is a universal truth that contemporary society attempts to suppress by its overemphasis on pleasure, power, excessive consumption and unbridled individualism. The spiritualities offered by The Rule of St. Benedict and the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous set forth a vision that challenges the illusory promises of contemporary society. Retreat Director: Sister Therese Haydel, O.S.B. Cost: $30, includes lunch. Details: (256) 734-8302, or www.shmon.org.

PARISH, SCHOOL AND FAMILY EVENTS
CLARKSDALE Care Station (next to the Delta Blues Museum), Catfish Supper Fundraiser, Friday, May 31, from 5-7 p.m. Cost: $10 donation for dine-in or carry out. Tickets are available at St. Elizabeth School and church. Details: St. Elizabeth church office (662) 624-4301.
CLEVELAND Our Lady of Victories, “Life After Loss: An Invitation” from 12-1 p.m. (bring your lunch) led by Larry L. Lambert, LPC. Remaining dates and topics on Wednesdays, May 29: Where Do I go from Here? Renewed direction and enthusiasm and June 5: Learning to Trust in a Good Future. Sessions are free and open to all. Details: (662) 719-8756 or email lamb5999@bellsouth.net.
GREENVILLE Sacred Heart, Parish Picnic Sunday, June 2, at 1 p.m. There will be games. Details: church office (662) 332-0891.
GRENADA St. Peter, new date for Old-Fashioned Parish Picnic, Sunday, September 8, following 10 a.m. Mass. Details: church office (662) 226-2490.
HERNANDO Holy Spirit, Follies 2019: “The Great American Game Show” Saturday, July 13 at 7 p.m. in the Family Life Center. There will be food, fun and prizes. Let Ken or Dana know if you have a favorite classic game show that you would like to help recreate. Details: Ken and Dana Hoover at (901) 426-2047 or (662) 420-0110.
JACKSON St. Therese, Spiritual Direction is available upon request. Ignation Spirituality is spirituality for everyday life. It is a pathway to deeper prayer and insists that God is present in our world and active in our daily lives. Details: Teresa Preuss, Ignatian spiritual director, at (601) 372-4481.
MERIDIAN Catholic Community of St. Joseph and St. Patrick, Knights of Columbus Memorial Day Picnic, Monday, May 27 at 11 a.m. at the KC Hall. Bring a dessert to share. There will be plenty of activities. Details: church office (601) 693-1321.
Xavier University Meridian Alumni Jazz Reception, Saturday, June 8, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Experience (The MAX). Cost: $35. Details: church office (601) 693-1321 or may be purchased from any Alumnus after Mass.
NATCHEZ St. Mary Basilica, Appreciation Celebration for Father David O’Connor, on the afternoon of Sunday, June 23. More details will follow. Details: church office (601) 445-5616.
PEARL St. Jude, Pentecost International Food Fest, Saturday, June 8, at 6:30 p.m. Sign-up sheets are in the back of the church. Details: church office (601) 939-3181.
TUPELO St James, Level 1 Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Formation Course. The first Formation weekend will be July 26-28 and the second will be August 16-18. The rest of the weekends will be determined during those first two sessions. Cost: $600. Details: Karen Mayfield at stjamescgs@comcast.net or (662) 213-6593.

YOUTH BRIEFS
CLARKSDALE Catholic Community of St. Elizabeth, Mission Trip, July 9-14 in St. Louis. Cost: $325. Details: church office (662) 624-4301.
GRENADA St. Peter, ECHO Retreat for Juniors and Seniors, Pineville, Louisiana, July 22-25. The retreat is a Theology of the Body camp including outdoor activities. Details: church office (662) 226-2490. Register at www.dumboxministries.com.
HERNANDO Holy Spirit, CSI – Catholic Service Initiative for high school youth who are completing the 9th – 12th grades, June 2-7 (for young men) and June 9 –14 (for young women). They will have the opportunity to work with Sacred Heart Southern Missions volunteer program and help the less fortunate. They will live together at the SHSM volunteer house. They will work, play, eat, and pray together as they strengthen the bonds that unite them as Catholic youth in North Mississippi, grow in their faith, show love and mercy to others, and get to know other Catholic teens. Details: Amanda at the church office (662) 429-7851.

SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT

BATON ROUGE Louisiana, WINE (Women in the New Evangelization) Conference “Beautifully United in Spirit” Saturday, July 27, 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Church, St. Amant, Louisiana. Emcee Karen Sheehy Catholic author and WINE Specialist. Keynote speakers Kelly Wahlquist, WINE foundress, Catholic author and inspirational speaker, Teresa Tomeo, syndicated talk show host, author, and motivational speaker and Catholic evangelist, retreat director and radio host and Gloria Purvis Catholic advocate, speaker, and radio host. Join women from around the country for a day of inspiration, faith, fellowship and fun. Event price: $55 early bird price before June 27, $65 after June 27. Special price for religious sisters, consecrated women and students. Details: https://beautifullyunitedla.eventbrite.com to register or email karen@spiritualsafariguide.com.
BROOKSVILLE The Dwelling Place, Not Seeing Eye-to-Eye with Jesus, June 14-16. Do I think Jesus sees me the way I see myself? If not, is the difference important to me? Do I want to see myself as Jesus sees me? Conversion happens only when this change in seeing occurs. Presenter: Father Henry Shelton, retired priest of the diocese, who has conducted many seminars and retreats in Mississippi and surrounding states. Begins with dinner on Friday at 6:30 p.m. and concludes with lunch at noon on Sunday. Donation: $200. Details: (662) 738-5348 or email dwellpl@gmail.com.
CHATAWA St. Mary of the Pines Retreat Center, “With Burning Hearts” Henri J.M. Nouwen’s meditative book, June 16-22. We read in the Emmaus story “Did not our hearts burn within us?” Both sources, contemporary writers and Sacred Scripture, will form the basis for reflection on Eucharist as sacrament and way of life. Begins with dinner on Sunday and concludes with breakfast on Saturday. Presenter: Sister Kate DuVal, SSND. Suggested donation: $450. Details: Sister Sue Von Bank (601) 783-0801 or retreatcenter@ssndcp.org.
CULLMAN, Ala., Benedictine Sisters Retreat Center, Letting Go and Letting God: The Wisdom of Twelve-Step Spirituality, Saturday, June 22, 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Letting God’s will and loving care uphold and direct our lives requires an ever-deepening process of surrender that is described in all genuine spiritual traditions yet uniquely articulated through the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous. This reflection day will focus on the core principles of Twelve-Step Spirituality and the gift of spiritual freedom that is experienced when these principles are put into practice. Retreat Director: Sister Therese Haydel, O.S.B. Cost: $30, includes lunch. Details: (256) 734-8302, retreats@shmon.org or www.shmon.org.

PARISH, SCHOOL AND FAMILY EVENTS

CLEVELAND Our Lady of Victories, “Life After Loss: An Invitation” from 12-1 p.m. (bring your lunch) led by Larry L. Lambert, LPC. Remaining dates and topics on Wednesdays, May 15: Telling my story – struggling to hold on and to move on; May 22: A new day, a different world – distressing emotions and stressing demands; May 29: Where do I go from here? Renewed direction and enthusiasm and June 5: Learning to trust in a good future. Sessions are free and open to all. Details: (662) 719-8756 or email lamb5999@bellsouth.net.
HERNANDO Holy Spirit, Weight Loss Support Group, Tuesdays at 9 a.m. Come join each week as we support each other on our weight loss journey and strive to become healthier, happier persons. Details: Liz Brown at (901) 331-3419.
NATCHEZ St. Mary Basilica, Adult Sunday School, Queen of Heaven: Mary’s Battle for Souls”, DVD series from Saint Benedict Press, Sundays at 8:30 a.m. in the conference room of the Family Life Center. Details: Karen Verucchi, Class facilitator at (601) 870-5388.

YOUTH BRIEFS

GREENVILLE St. Joseph, Vacation Bible School, June 10-13, 9 a.m. – noon in the Parish Hall for children ages 4-12 years old. Workers are needed. Details: church office (662) 335-5251.
HERNANDO Holy Spirit, Vacation Bible School, June 17-21, 6 – 7:30 p.m. See your Holy Happenings for volunteer sheet. Details: Allison Baskin at (901) 409-1038.
LELAND St. James, Ladies Lunch Bunch, Wednesday, May 15, at the Mexican restaurant on Highway 82 at noon. Details: Call Patricia Maugh at (662) 379-0615 or Anita Minton at (662) 822-1775 for reservations.
MERIDIAN Catholic Community of St. Joseph and St. Patrick, First Family Dodgeball Championship, Sunday, May 19 at 1 p.m. in St. Patrick Family Life Center. Family teams of 4-6 persons will compete for a trophy. Registration fee is $5. Details: Adrian at (601) 917-4566.
NATCHEZ St. Mary Basilica, Vacation Bible School, June 10-14, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. in the Family Life Center. This time set is different from past years. Eight to 10 adult volunteers are needed. Details: Regina at the church office (601) 445-5616.

SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT
COVINGTON Louisiana, Married couples retreat, May 4-5 at St. Joseph Abbey Christian Life Retreat Center, 8 a.m.- 1 p.m. Come away for rest and spiritual strength and nourishment. Suggested donation: $275 per couple. Details: www.faithandmarriage.org or call (504) 830-3716.
CULLMAN, Ala., Benedictine Sisters Retreat Center, Common Wisdom: Parallels in Benedictine and Twelve-Step Spiritualities, Saturday, May 4, 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. This reflection day will focus on the core principles of Twelve-Step spirituality and the gift of spiritual freedom that is experienced when these principles are put into practice. Retreat Director: Sister Therese Haydel, O.S.B. Cost: $30, includes lunch. Details: (256) 734-8302, retreats@shmon.org or www.shmon.org.
Benedictine Sisters Retreat Center, Eight-day Intensive/Post-Intensive Centering Prayer, May 21-28. Retreat Intensive: An in-depth retreat for those experienced in Centering Prayer. DVD’s of Father Thomas Keating’s Spiritual Journey course will be viewed. Post-Intensive: A next step into a profound silence and stillness to facilitate a more intimate union with God. An Intensive Centering Prayer experience is a prerequisite of the Post-Intensive. Arrive between 3-5 p.m. on arrival day, with departure after breakfast on the final day. Fee includes lodging, meals, linens, and program materials. Details: Contact Katy Smith at (205) 410-1493 or smithdoc20@gmail.com for cost and registration information. Deadline for registration and deposit is May 1. Go to www.shmon.org for more information.

PARISH, SCHOOL AND FAMILY EVENTS
AMORY St. Helen, Book Discussion Group will read The Boy Who Knew Too Much by Cathy Byrd at noon on Monday, May 13, at the parish hall. Everyone is invited to read the book and plan to join the discussion. Details: church office (662) 256-8392.
CLARKSDALE St. Elizabeth, Gospel of St. Luke Bible Study, Wednesdays at noon in the meeting room. Details: contact study leader Libby Antici at the church office (662) 624-4301.
GREENVILLE St. Joseph, Annual Abide Memorial Golf tournament, Friday, May 17, at 1 p.m. at the Greenville Country Club, 2476 Highway 1 South. The tournament is a St. Joseph School tuition assistance fundraiser. Details: Cindy Abide at the church office (662) 335-5251.
GRENADA St. Peter, Old Fashioned Church Picnic, Sunday, May 5. Food will be provided. Please gather items not needed around your home for bingo prizes. Details: church office (662) 226-2490.
HERNANDO Holy Spirit, “The Great American Game Show” Saturday, July 13, at 7 p.m. in the Family Life Center. There will be food, fun and prizes. Let Ken or Dana know if you have a favorite classic game show that you would like to help recreate. Details: Ken and Dana Hoover at (901) 426-2047 or (662) 420-0110.
MADISON St. Francis of Assisi, 32nd Annual Cajun Fest, Sunday, May 5, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. They will have mouth-watering items including crawfish etouffee, jambalaya, boiled crawfish and other Cajun delicacies. They will also have games for the kids, awesome raffle prizes and bingo. Dance to live music by Waylon Thibodeau. Arts and craft vendors will also have a variety of Mississippi-made products on display. Details: church office (601) 856-5556 or visit https://www.facebook.com/stfrancismadison.
NATCHEZ St. Mary Basilica, Adult Sunday School, “Queen of Heaven: Mary’s Battle for Souls,” DVD series from Saint Benedict Press, Sundays at 8:30 a.m. in the conference room of the Family Life Center. Details: Karen Verucchi, Class facilitator at (601) 870-5388.

YOUTH BRIEFS
BROOKHAVEN St. Francis, CYO Lock-In (guys only) for grades 4-12, Friday, May 5, 6 p.m. – 10 a.m. Details: Ms. Ange’le at (601) 757-3084.
CLEVELAND, Delta State University students meet Tuesdays at 9 p.m. at the Union, 2nd floor (east side). Details: To receive text notifications, send your name by text to Father Kent Bowlds at (662) 588-5868.
MADISON St. Joseph School, St. Joe Bruin Classic Golf Tournament, Friday, May 10, Whisper Lake Golf Club, 414 Annandale Parkway, Madison. Proceeds to fund all St. Joseph School athletics. Details: Dana Caskey at dana.caskey@comcast.net or www.stjoebruins.com. for more information.
MERIDIAN Catholic Community of St. Joseph and St. Patrick, Baccalaureate Mass, Sunday, May 5, at 11 a.m. at St. Patrick in honor of graduating high school students. Details: contact youth ministry office if you plan to attend at (601) 693-1321, ext. 9 or john@catholicmeridian.org.
NATCHEZ St. Mary Basilica, May Crowning/Senior Farewell Mass, Friday, May 3. Cathedral student body, faculty and staff will attend the 8 a.m. Mass at St. Mary Basilica for the annual May crowing of Blessed Mother. It will also be the senior Farewell Mass for graduating seniors. Everyone is invited to attend. Details: school office (601) 601-442-1988.