Updates

Presentation in the temple shows how God lives among us, pope says

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By Justin McLellan
VATICAN CITY (CNS) – The presentation of Jesus in the temple of Jerusalem shows that God’s closeness to humanity is not confined to a place of worship but is manifested in his living among people, Pope Francis said.

“God is present in the midst of his people, not because he dwells within four walls, but because he lives as a man among humanity,” the pope said before praying the Angelus with visitors in St. Peter’s Square Feb. 2. “ This is the novelty of Jesus.”

Pope Francis gives a thumbs up to visitors in St. Peter’s Square gathered to pray the the Angelus at the Vatican Feb. 2, 2025. (CNS photo/Vatican Media)

The day’s Gospel reading from St. Luke recounted how Mary and Joseph brought the infant Jesus to the temple 40 days after his birth, following Jewish tradition. The “heartfelt voices” of Simeon and Anna, who had long awaited the messiah, “resound among the ancient stones of the temple, announcing the fulfillment of Israel’s expectations,” the pope said.

Simeon described Jesus in “three beautiful ways,” the pope said. “Jesus is salvation, Jesus is light; Jesus is a sign of contradiction.”

“Like the sun that rises over the world, this child will redeem it from the darkness of evil, pain and death,” Pope Francis said. “How much we need light, this light, even today!”

Simeon then prophesied that Jesus will be “a sign that will be contradicted” so that “the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”

“Jesus reveals the criterion for judging all of history and each of our lives,” Pope Francis explained. “And what is this criterion? It is love: those who love, live; those who hate, die.”

The pope urged Christians to reflect on whether they, too, are longing for God: “Do I wish to see the face of the Lord? Do I await the manifestation of his plan of salvation?”

After praying the Angelus, the pope called for people to say “no” to war.

“It destroys everything, it destroys life and induces us to disregard it,” he said; “let us not forget that war is always a defeat.”

Pope Francis renewed his Jubilee year appeal for Christian government leaders “to do their utmost in the negotiations to bring all the ongoing conflicts to an end.”

“Let us pray for peace in tormented Ukraine, in Palestine, Israel, Lebanon, Myanmar, Sudan and North Kivu,” he said, referring to the region in Congo where intense fighting flared up in late January, leading to the deaths of hundreds of people.

Grace and growth in the Year of Hope

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Reflections on Life
By Melvin Arrington
Pope Francis has recognized 2025 as a Holy Year, a Jubilee Year of Hope. In 2025 we, as “pilgrims of hope,” are called to renew ourselves, to transform ourselves into all that God wants us to be.

As Christians we have reasons to be hopeful. First and foremost, we are made in the image of God, and He has chosen us to be His adopted children. He has given us meaning and purpose for our lives. And He has promised that we will spend all eternity in heaven if we remain faithful to Him.

According to the Catechism, hope, like faith and charity, the other two theological virtues, is “infused by God into the souls of the faithful to make them capable of acting as His children and of meriting eternal life.” (CCC 1813) “Infused,” as my handy little Catholic Dictionary states, means that God, through His grace, imparts hope to the soul; it’s not something we can acquire through our own efforts other than our willingness to receive it.

Because this connection between grace and hope in the life of Christians has interesting parallels with the growth process in plants, I’m going to examine some of these correspondences. Joseph Campbell, considered the leading authority on mythology, argues that a type of consciousness operates not just in humans but in all forms of life, including plants. For him, the vine that wraps itself around a tree and the leaf that opens and turns toward the sun, an activity we call heliotropism, illustrate the existence of a plant consciousness.

Although Campbell makes a compelling argument, I prefer a different approach to this subject. Weeks ago, a winter storm brought a record snowfall and near single-digit temperatures to our part of the state. As I was out walking, I noticed near the sidewalk a row of tiny green shoots powerfully pushing upward, just beginning to break through the rock-hard surface of the ground. How could this be, given the frozen ground? But there they were! Although revealing less than a centimeter of their tips, they were bursting forth with determination and confidence.

God has put in place all the elements plant life requires to flourish. Nurtured by these graces – sunshine, rain and nutrients in the ground – the little shoots will continue their journey upward and will fulfill their purpose by turning into full-grown plants. And before long the color green, which stands for life, growth and, ultimately, hope, will be all around us again!

Interestingly, the way vegetation emerges has a direct application to Christian life and serves as a metaphor for the Catholic view of hope. Like the green shoots, we are on an upward journey. We, too, are confident of renewal and advancement in the faith, nourished by God’s grace. We, too, have the goal of blossoming and becoming what we were intended to be: mature, Christ-like servants. And because green also signifies Ordinary Time, the long period of maturation in the spiritual life, we’ll see it more than any other color during the liturgical year as a constant reminder of what we’re striving for.

The Catechism defines hope as “the theological virtue by which we desire the kingdom of heaven and eternal life as our happiness, placing our trust in Christ’s promises and relying not on our own strength, but on the help of the grace of the Holy Spirit.” (CCC 1817) In other words, it’s much more than just the desire or wish for something; for example, that there will be something good to watch on TV, or that my team will make the playoffs, or that my utility bills will be lower, etc. These wishes may or may not come to pass. The Catholic understanding of this virtue, however, deals with eternal things; it goes well beyond mere desire to include “the confident expectation of divine blessing.” (CCC 2090)

Hope encompasses a firm belief that God will keep His promises to us, so we have to make sure that we honor our commitment to Him and not presume on His mercy: “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.” (Hebrews 10:23)

What kinds of things should we as pilgrims of hope do during this Jubilee Year? I heartily recommend consulting the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) website, which contains a wealth of information for the Holy Year. But if a pilgrimage is not feasible, several other opportunities for personal renewal are readily available. Maybe this is the year for taking a deep dive into God’s Word, or for making more frequent visits to the Blessed Sacrament, or for committing to praying a nightly rosary. Whatever we pledge to do, let’s not forget to give thanks for the amazing gift of hope, which “does not disappoint us because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.” (Romans 5:5)

(Melvin Arrington is a Professor Emeritus of Modern Languages for the University of Mississippi and a member of St. John Oxford.)

Free people of color and the Catholic faith

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CALL TO HOLINESS
By Jaymie Stuart Wolfe
Black History Month is officially observed every February, but there’s something unfortunate about that. Don’t get me wrong: it’s great to recognize the contributions of Black Americans. But dedicating a specific month to doing so seems to have had the unintended side effect of limiting the recognition they’ve earned to a paltry 28 days of the year.

In New Orleans, the gifts of Black Americans are more visible than in other places. Flavorful food, soulful music, deep community and lively joy: nearly everything both locals and visitors love about our city has roots in Black culture beautifully expressed.

Louisiana’s story of colonialism, race and culture is unique and complex. And as it turns out, African American history is not merely synonymous with the history of slavery. New Orleans bears the tragic distinction of having had the largest slave market in North America. But at the same time, the city was also home to the largest community of free Black people.

Most free people of color were French-speaking Catholics; some arrived in New Orleans already free, others purchased their freedom or acquired it through government or military service or manumission.

A middle class of merchants and artisans, free people of color attended school, owned property, and were able to build generational wealth. By 1810, 29% of the city’s population was free people of color. They lost many of the freedoms they had enjoyed under French and Spanish rule when the United States purchased Louisiana in 1803. Nevertheless, this thriving community had a lasting impact on New Orleans and well beyond it.

As restrictions increased and the imposition of Americanized racial policies took hold in the 1830s and ‘40s, free people of color created their own religious, cultural, mutual aid and educational institutions. Their examples are inspiring.

When Henriette Delille (1812–1862) had a religious experience at the age of 24, she believed that God was calling her to religious life. Although she was well educated and had been born free, women of color were disqualified from joining the established orders. Instead, Henriette and seven other young women founded a community that later became known as the Sisters of the Holy Family. Permitted to take only private vows and prohibited from wearing a habit, the sisters cared for the sick, helped the poor, taught both free and enslaved children. Taking elderly women into their home, they established the first Catholic nursing home in the United States. Mother Henriette’s influence is still felt here. She was declared venerable in 2010.

Eugène Warburg (1825–1859) was born into slavery but was freed as a young child by his Jewish father. He apprenticed as a marble cutter under a French artist, then established his own sculpture studio in the French Quarter. Warburg earned commissions for religious statuary, portraits and gravestones. The checkered marble floor he designed and created for the expansion and beautification of St. Louis Cathedral in 1850 still testifies to the quality and precision of his work.

A fourth-generation free man of color, Edmond Déde (1827–1901) began playing the clarinet as a child, then quickly moved to violin. He was considered a musical prodigy. Working as a cigar-maker to earn his passage to Europe, Dédé enjoyed a successful music career in France. He composed many pieces of classical music and is the first African American to compose a full-scale opera. “Music from Morgiane” debuted in 2025 at St. Louis Cathedral, where Dédé was baptized.

Homère Plessy (1862–1925), a French-speaking free man of color, grew up during Reconstruction, when Louisiana schools were racially integrated, Black men were able to vote, interracial marriage was legal, and more than 200 Black men held elected office. A lifelong member of St. Augustine Catholic Church, Plessy became politically active when Louisiana began passing Jim Crow legislation. Plessy challenged segregation laws with an act of civil disobedience. He is best known as the unsuccessful plaintiff in the famous Supreme Court decision Plessy v. Ferguson which established the “separate but equal” legal doctrine that was ultimately overturned in 1954.

The lives of these four free, Black, French-speaking Catholics from 19th-century New Orleans are worthy of our attention. The nobility of their enduring contributions to American society, despite the difficulties they faced as people of color, is nothing less than miraculous.

(Jaymie Stuart Wolfe is a sinner, Catholic convert, freelance writer and editor, musician, speaker, pet-aholic, wife and mom of eight grown children, loving life in New Orleans.)

US bishops call for prayer after deadly DC air collision claims dozens of lives

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By Gina Christian and Kate Scanlon
(OSV News) – U.S. Catholic bishops – joined by Pope Francis – are calling for prayer after a deadly aviation crash in the nation’s capital claimed dozens of lives.

“Catholics throughout the Archdiocese of Washington today join men and women of good will here and around the world in praying for those who perished in last night’s heartbreaking accident,” Cardinal Wilton D. Gregory, the retired archbishop and current apostolic administrator of the archdiocese, said in a Jan. 30 statement.

The Jan. 29 midair collision between a regional jet operated by American Airlines and a U.S. military helicopter took place over the Potomac River at approximately 9 p.m.

American Eagle Flight 5342 – which originated in Wichita, Kansas – had been preparing to land at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and carried 60 passengers and four crew members on board. The helicopter involved in the collision, a UH-60 Black Hawk assigned to Fort Belvoir, Virginia, contained three troops on a routine training flight.

Debris is seen Jan. 30, 2025, as the U.S Coast Guard, local, state and federal agencies respond after American Eagle flight 5342 collided in midair with a Black Hawk Army helicopter late Jan. 29 while on approach for landing at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. The plane, with 64 people on board, and the helicopter, with three crew members, crashed into the Potomac near the airport. (OSV News photo/U.S Coast Guard/Petty Officer 1st Class Brandon Giles via Reuters)

The initial rescue operation was soon declared a recovery effort, with first responders and dive crews battling the Potomac’s icy waters to retrieve the bodies. The incident remains under investigation by multiple agencies led by the National Transportation Safety Board and including the Federal Aviation Administration and the U.S. Army.

“We praise God for the generous assistance of our courageous first responders,” Cardinal Gregory said in his statement. “May this disaster serve as an impetus to strengthen our unity and collaboration.”

In a Jan. 30 post on the X social media platform, Bishop Michael F. Burbidge of Arlington, Virginia, asked people to be “united in prayer for all those tragically impacted by the accident.”

“May we be united in prayer for all those tragically impacted by the accident near Reagan airport,” Bishop Burbidge, whose diocese borders the Potomac, said in his post.

Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio of the U.S. Archdiocese for the Military Services, in a statement issued Jan. 30 “on behalf of the clergy and faithful” of the archdiocese, prayed for those “who tragically perished” in the crash and expressed “prayerful solidarity” with the families of all the victims.

“May Almighty God grant them peace and serenity and consolation to those left behind,” he said. “Reagan National Airport is a very familiar place to me. This tragedy strikes very close to home.”
Shortly after the crash, Bishop Carl A. Kemme of Wichita, Kansas, posted on Facebook that he was “praying for all involved” in the disaster.

“It is sobering to think that I and two other priests were on this very flight one week ago on our way to DC for the … March for life,” Bishop Kemme said in his post. “May God bring divine assistance to everyone involved.”

On Jan. 30, Bishop Kemme released a statement on the disaster, saying, “My heart, and the hearts of the faithful of the Diocese of Wichita, go out to the families and loved ones of all those lost in this devastating accident. 

“We pray for the souls of those who perished, including the brave members of our military, the passengers, and the crew,” said Bishop Kemme. “We also pray for comfort and strength for those who mourn, and for the first responders and recovery teams as they continue their difficult work. I encourage all to pray for those affected by this tragedy. May the souls of the departed rest in peace.”

In a Jan. 30 telegram to President Donald Trump, Pope Francis expressed his “spiritual closeness” to victims and their families and commended the souls of the departed to God’s loving mercy.

“I likewise pray for those involved in the recovery efforts, and invoke upon all in the nation the divine blessings of consolation and strength,” he said.

While the victims’ names have not yet been revealed, U.S. Figure Skating, the sport’s governing body, told media that several passengers on the commercial aircraft were young figure skaters returning from a training camp in Wichita. Russian state media reported that several of the skaters were Russian nationals.

(Gina Christian is a multimedia reporter for OSV News. Follow her on X @GinaJesseReina. Kate Scanlon is a national reporter for OSV News based in Washington. Follow her on X @kgscanlon.)

Declaration of the Missionary Servants of the Most Holy Trinity in service to the rights of all immigrants and refugees, beloved of God

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The Missionary Servants of the Most Holy Trinity (Trinitarians) have been present in the challenging reality of migration at every moment of our history. From our beginnings more than one hundred years ago, the Holy Spirit has moved us to be willing to leave everything and go to the most unprotected portion of the harvest.

Today, throughout the world, the suffering of displaced persons-immigrants and refugees-is a cry of brothers and sisters waiting to be heard, seen and found. In all our missions and the countries where we strive to live prophetically, our call to mission, the cry awaits a response.

We, Missionary Servants of the Most Holy Trinity, proclaim today, “You are not alone. We journey with you!”

Well have the bishops of the United States declared: “Together, we must be the voice of the multitudes who yearn to breathe freedom and demand that our government provide just and humane treatment for our dear brothers and sisters. It is our hope, our prayer, that we can all work together in developing a reform of the current immigration system.”

We, the Missionary Servants of the Most Holy Trinity, want to be much more than a voice. Wherever we are, we wish to invite all our partners in mission and every person of good will to join us in a concrete effort of solidarity, presence and hope.

As men of faith with lives dedicated to the Gospel of Jesus, we commit ourselves to:

  • Be one with our sisters and brothers in their moments of terror and need.
  • To honor their sense of devastation and anguish.
  • Support one another and those we serve.

    With this commitment, we pledge:
  • To walk purposefully, hand in hand, with the immigrant and refugee.
  • To actively participate in all efforts for justice.
  • To be architects of protective spaces for people at risk.
  • Share resources and collaborate with others working for justice.
  • Bear witness to the fact that there are no disposable people.
  • To seek the wisdom of our elders and the audacity of youth.
  • Work to create safe spaces where people can flourish in freedom.
    Missions are people: people of all races, cultures and ways of life. People are not “illegal” or “undocumented” but beloved sons and daughters of the Heavenly Father, redeemed by the blood of Jesus on the Cross, the ultimate symbol and sign of God’s infinite love for every person without exception.

    We, Missionary Servants of the Most Holy Trinity, with all people of goodwill, commit ourselves, by the grace of God, to live this Gospel message of Jesus in loving service to our sisters and brothers, whatever the cost! Only in this way can we truly fulfill the vocation we have received.

Briefs

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Dancers wearing lion costumes perform during a midnight Lunar New Year celebration in the Manhattan borough of New York City’s Chinatown Jan. 28, 2025, marking the Year of the Snake. (OSV News photo/Adam Gray, Reuters)

NATION
WASHINGTON (OSV News) – Coinciding with the Catholic Church’s Jubilee Year, the Lunar New Year “can be a time of change and renewal” of faith, two U.S. bishops’ committee chairmen said in a special message to Catholics from Asian cultures who celebrate the Chinese New Year. “May the blessings of Almighty God come upon you, so that your Radiant Faith, which enriches the Church, may bring hope and renewal to our world, our country, the Church, and our families,” said Bishop Robert J. Brennan of Brooklyn, New York, and Bishop Earl K. Fernandes of Columbus, Ohio, in a Jan. 28 message issued with their blessings on behalf of all the bishops. They are the chairmen, respectively, of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Cultural Diversity in the Church and its Subcommittee on Asian and Pacific Islanders. The Lunar New Year usually starts sometime between late January and mid-February. This year the festivities begin Jan. 29, ushering in the Year of the Snake, symbolizing good luck, rebirth and regeneration. Celebrations can last for 15 days in countries where the Lunar New Year is typically celebrated – China, South Korea, Vietnam and countries with a significant number of people from China.

PHILADELPHIA (OSV News) – Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez of Philadelphia is calling for prayer, saying his “heart sank” after learning of a fatal air crash in that city Jan. 31, just two days after a collision between a commercial jet and an Army helicopter in the nation’s capital killed 67. The archbishop issued a statement a few hours after a medical flight carrying a pediatric patient, her mother and crew crashed minutes after takeoff, killing all six aboard and one person on the ground, while injuring 22 others. The jet plunged into a densely populated, heavily traveled area of northeast Philadelphia. Archbishop Pérez called for all people to “unite in prayer and do what we can in the days ahead to share the compassionate love of Christ with those suffering.” As he surveyed the crash site Feb. 1, retired Philadelphia Police Sergeant Mark Palma, a Catholic who dealt with the aftermath of a fatal 2015 Amtrak crash, echoed the archbishop’s call to pray for first responders given the trauma involved. Father Patrick Welsh, pastor of St. Matthew Parish, a couple blocks from the impact site, said he set up Eucharistic adoration for first responders. While no one in the parish lost their life, he said one school family “completely lost their home to the fire” and another was also badly affected.

VATICAN
VATICAN CITY (CNS) – When a holy day of obligation falls on a Sunday and so is transferred to another day, the Catholic faithful are encouraged to attend Mass, but they are not obliged to do so, the Vatican said. The feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary Dec. 8 fell on the Second Sunday of Advent in 2024 and so, in most dioceses around the world, the feast was transferred to Monday, Dec. 9. Some bishops in the United States insisted the faithful still had a moral obligation to attend Mass on the feast day while others issued a formal dispensation from the obligation. The Dicastery for Legislative Texts, in a September letter to Bishop Thomas J. Paprocki of Springfield, Illinois, had said, “the feast must be observed as a day of obligation on the day to which it is transferred.” But in a formal note dated Jan. 23, the Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments said it had consulted with the legislative texts office and determined that “in the event of the occasional transfer of a holy day of obligation, the obligation to attend Mass is not transferred.”

VATICAN CITY (CNS) – A nerdy love of science fiction, a yearning for adventure, a passion for science and a foundation of Jesuit education all helped in some way to lead a man from Detroit, Michigan, to become a master of meteorites and the head of the Vatican Observatory. Jesuit Brother Guy Consolmagno, who has led the observatory since 2015, shares his journey of becoming a Jesuit astronomer, explains the compatibility of science and faith and guides readers on how to look at the heavens in a new book released Feb. 4 by Loyola Press. Titled, “A Jesuit’s Guide to the Stars: Exploring Wonder, Beauty and Science,” the book also features full-page color astrophotographs taken by astronomers of the Vatican Observatory and NASA.

WORLD
SÃO PAULO (OSV News) – Violence in Colombia between the National Liberation Army and a dissident group of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC, known as FARC in Catatumbo region has led to over 80 deaths and displaced 48,000 people since mid-January. The Catholic Church has been actively working to provide relief, calling for respect for humanitarian principles and access to food and water in the region. Father Hector Henao, who has mediated between the government and guerrillas, emphasized that control over Catatumbo’s illicit coca trade and precious metals is fueling the conflict. Many displaced people were small-scale coca farmers, and while some are returning as the violence subsides, tensions remain high. In response, local parishes are distributing food, aiding in the release of captives, and organizing peaceful protests. Father Jairo Gélvez Tarazona highlighted the efforts of the community of Pacelli, which is moving away from coca production in favor of sustainable crops like cocoa and fish farming, though economic support from the government and international groups is still needed. On Jan. 26, he celebrated Mass for the community, who almost entirely turned up to march that day for peace in the region.

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip (OSV News) – A fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has paused air raids and bombings on Gaza, but the humanitarian crisis continues to worsen. Joseph Hazboun, regional director of the Catholic Near East Welfare Association, describes the situation as bleak, with over 17,000 children orphaned and at least 150,000 pregnant women in urgent need of health care. Mental health issues are widespread, with 1 million children requiring psychological support. CNEWA is providing essential relief, including food, medical care and psychosocial programs. However, the region’s challenges persist, including limited access due to road closures and ongoing reconstruction needs. Hazboun also highlights the diminishing Christian population, now down to about 600, with only 300 expected to remain after the Rafah crossing reopened Feb. 1 – so far for medical assistance border crossing for those wounded. While the ceasefire offers temporary relief, Hazboun and other experts warn that lasting peace remains uncertain, with deep-rooted issues between Israelis and Palestinians unresolved.

Calendar of Events

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SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT
GLUCKSTADT – St. Joseph, Millions of Monicas – Praying with confidence for our children, each Tuesday from 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the church. Join with other mothers and grandmothers as we pray for our children’s faithful return to the church. Details: email millionsofmonicas@stjosephgluckstadt.com.

GREENWOOD – Locus Benedictus, Wings of Grace, Tuesday nights at 6 p.m. beginning Feb. 25. This is a new ministry providing a journey of healing from abortion. Program is 12 weeks and is led by Teresa Lambert. Find hope, peace, love and forgiveness through Bible study. Free and confidential. Register by Feb. 17. Details: email t.lambert0814@gmail.com or (662) 561-6018.

Knights of Columbus – Grow in your faith with five short videos produced by the Knights of Columbus called the “Mission of The Family.” The Mission of the Family” videos can be found at https://www.kofc.org/en/campaigns/into-the-breach.html. Videos are less than 14 minutes in length.

OLIVE BRANCH – Queen of Peace, Gathering in the Spirit Men’s Retreat, Saturday, Feb. 22 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Join us for group and individual activities, adoration, opportunity for reconciliation and more. Morning refreshments and lunch provided. Details: RSVP in the narthex or email ctksdonna@gmail.com.

PEARL – St. Jude, “Women and the Power of Prayer” Women’s Retreat, Saturday, March 15 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sponsored by the St. Jude Artisan Group. Details: Linda at (601) 573-8583 or maria.l.tynes@gmail.com.

PILGRIMAGE – Pilgrimage to Holy Land: Join Father Mark Shoffner, pastor of St. John Oxford, July 21-31, 2025. Details: lpjp.org, then click on “All Pilgrimages” and “Holy Land.” Details: church office (662) 234-6073.

PILGRIMAGE – Pilgrimage to Marian Shrines (Fatima, Spain and Lourdes) with Father Lincoln Dall and Deacon John McGregor, Sept, 15-24, 2025. Details: for more information visit www.206tours.com/frlincoln.

PILGRIMAGE – Pilgrimage to Rome, Assisi, Lisbon and Fatima with Father Carlisle Beggerly, Oct. 4-15, 2025. Cost: $5,799 per person (includes airfare from anywhere in the U.S.) Details: contact Pat Nause at (601) 604-0412; Proximo Travel at (855) 842-8001 or proximotravel.com. Mention trip #1181.

COLLIERVILLE, Tenn. – Church of the Incarnation, Women’s Morning of Spirituality, Saturday, March 1 with breakfast at 7:15 a.m. and program beginning at 8:15 a.m. Keynote speaker is Beth Davis and witness speaker is Angela Edwards. Register at https://womensmorning.com.

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – School Sisters of Notre Dame invite single women to a discernment retreat Feb. 21-23, 2025, at their Sancta Maria in Ripa campus. Details: Pre-registration by Feb. 7, is requested. There is no cost for participation. Private rooms with restroom provided; all meals included. Some assistance with transportation costs is available if needed. Details: email sisters@ssnd.org or call (314) 633-7026.

VIRTUAL – Dominican Sisters of Springfield, Stay with Me: Lenten Prayer for Disciples virtual event, Wednesdays from March 5 through April 9 at 7 p.m. Event is free. Register once for participation in any or all of the sessions at springfieldop.org/events. Hear reflections on the theme, enjoy periods of silence and sharing, and build a community of prayer for Lent. Details: call Sister Denise Glazik at (217) 787-0481.

PARISH, FAMILY & SCHOOL EVENTS
CANTON – Holy Child Jesus, Musical Celebration in honor of Servant of God Sister Thea Bowman, FSPA, Saturday, March 29 at 3 p.m. Details: “Cherie” Evans at arievans29@yahoo.com or (601) 259-1363.

CLARKSDALE – St. Elizabeth School, Mardi Gras Drawdown, Friday, Feb. 28 at 7 p.m. at Hopson Hospitality. Tickets are $100 and must be 21+ to attend. Details: call (662) 624-4239 for more information.

COLUMBUS – Annunciation School, Mardi Gras Masquerade – Draw Down and Art Auction, Friday, Feb. 28 from 6:30-9:30 p.m. Details: school office (662) 328-4479.

Annunciation School, Welcome Week, Feb. 18-21. Come see our school and meet our teachers. Tours available each day in 45 minute slots. Come tour and we will waive your application fee. Details: Register at https://bit.ly/3WAjfU6.

FOREST – St. Michael, Way of the Cross (Spanish), every Friday at 7 p.m. during Lent. Details: email stmichaelchurchforest@gmail.com.

GREENVILLE – St. Joseph School, Spring Fling, March 1 at 5:30 p.m. Details: school office (662) 378-9711.

HERNANDO – Holy Spirit, Soup and Stations, every Friday during Lent at 6:30 p.m. Details: church office (662) 429-7851.

HOLLY SPRINGS – Gregory House, Young Women’s Retreat for 9-12 grade, Feb. 28 through March 2. Come listen, pray and play. Event is free. Details: SHSM at (662) 781-1360.

JACKSON – Holy Family, Black History Celebration, Sunday, Feb. 23 after 10:30 a.m. Mass. Join us for singing, presentations and a wonderful display of amazing African-American culture. All are welcome. Details: church office (601) 362-1888.

JACKSON – Cathedral of St. Peter, Feast of the Chair of St. Peter, Saturday, Feb. 22 at 4 p.m. Bilingual Mass with reception and dinner following in the Cathedral Center. Details: church office (601) 969-3125.

JACKSON – Sister Thea Bowman School, Drawdown 2025, Saturday, April 26 at 6:30 p.m. Grand prize is $5,000. Tickets cost $120; with additional $15 for second chance. Join us for fellowship, food, entertainment, silent auction and more! Details: school office (601) 352-5441.

MADISON – St. Joseph School, Bruin Burn 5k Run and 2k Walk, Saturday, March 1 at 9 a.m. Race held at 200 W Jackson Street in Ridgeland. Registration $30 for 5k run or 2k walk; $15 for fun run; $10 virtual run. Come enjoy music, fun and glow tunnel in your best 80s running attire. Details: register at https://runsignup.com/Race/MS/Ridgeland/BruinBurn.

MERIDIAN – St. Patrick, Ladies Retreat “We Wait in Joyful, Hope: a Lenten Journey,” Saturday, Feb. 22 from 2:30-5 p.m. in the Father Valley room. Retreat led by Mary Billups. Group will attend 5 p.m. Mass at conclusion of retreat. Details: church office (601) 693-1321.

St. Joseph, Mardi Gras Party, March 1 from 6-10 p.m. at Kehrer Hall. Must be 21+ to attend. Details: church office (601) 693-1321.

St. Patrick School, Glow Run, Friday, Feb. 28. More information coming soon. Details: school office (601) 482-6044.

NATCHEZ – St. Mary Basilica, Blood Drive, Tuesday, Feb. 18 from 12:30-5:30 p.m. at the Family Life Center. Details: schedule an appointment at www.vitalant.org or call the church office at (601) 445-5616.

SOUTHAVEN – Sacred Heart School, Trivia Night and Silent Auction, Saturday, March 22 from 7-9 p.m. in the school gym. Join us for trivia, door prizes, giveaways, split the pot raffle and more. Teams with max of eight players. Single players will be assigned a spot. Cost: $25 per player and $160 per table. BYOB and snacks. Doors open at 6 p.m. to decorate your table for a chance to win a prize. Details: register by emailing Allison at abaskin@shsm.org.

DIOCESE
OFFICE OF CATHOLIC EDUCATION – The OCE hosts a Zoom Rosary the first Wednesday of each month during the school year at 7 p.m. Our upcoming Rosary is on March 5. Details: Join the rosary via zoom at https://bit.ly/zoomrosary2024.

YOUTH – DCYC, March 21-23, 2025 at the Vicksburg Convention Center. Theme is “Here I am Lord Work in Me.” Register by Feb. 21, contact your parish to register. Details: contact your individual parish offices or contact Abbey at (601) 949-6934 or abbey.schuhmann@jacksondiocese.org.

OTHER EVENTS
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Catholic Scouters Region 5 Conference, Feb. 21-22. The Catholic Committee on Scouting for the Diocese of Nashville invites you to join Catholic Scouter’s from the states of Alabama, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee to a special conference that includes current scouting topics and an opportunity to receive a special event patch with registration. Cost $65 per person. Meetings held at the Knights of Columbus Council 4972 Hall located at 3129 McGavock Pike. For more information visit https://www.ndccos.org. Register online at https://scoutingevent.com/560-93593. Details: email backpackergus@gmail.com.

WASHINGTON, DC – Catholic University of America, Servant of God Sister Thea Bowman Conference, Saturday, March 28 Theme is “I Bring My Whole Self.” Details: Visit https://www.blackcatholicmessenger.org/thea-bowman-conference-2025 for more details or email cua-bowman@cua.edu.

¿Y qué es un peregrino?

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Obispo Joseph R. Kopacz

Por Obispo Joseph R. Kopacz, D.D.
El Año Jubilar de la Esperanza está en marcha, un año de gracia del Señor en el que el Papa Francisco nos anima y nos desafía a ser Peregrinos de Esperanza. De todas maneras, ¿qué es un peregrino?

Hace más de 40 años, en los primeros años de mi sacerdocio, participé en un viaje de estudio bíblico a la Tierra Santa y Roma para experimentar de primera mano la vida terrenal de Jesús, el comienzo de la iglesia en Jerusalén y su crecimiento en Roma. En preparación para esta aventura espiritual de tres semanas, el líder nos recordó a todos los sacerdotes participantes que estaríamos emprendiendo este viaje como peregrinos, no como turistas. La mayoría de nosotros escuchamos la llamada a la peregrinación y empacamos sencillamente, excepto uno en el grupo que llevó una gran maleta vacía para recuerdos.

A finales de este año, la Diócesis de Jackson asistirá a una peregrinación a Roma que incluirá el paso por la Puerta Santa de una de las cuatro basílicas principales. Nos veremos como peregrinos durante estos diez días, teniendo en cuenta que el Santo Padre nos impulsa a ser peregrinos de esperanza de corazón y de mente como un estado de vida renovado y determinante. ¿Cómo? Uno de los profetas de la antigüedad nos ilumina el camino de los peregrinos. “Se te ha indicado, hombre, que es bueno y lo que exige de ti el Señor: nada más que practicar la justicia, amar la fidelidad y caminar humildemente con tu Dios”. (Miqueas 6:8.) Es una forma de estar en este mundo que supera y trasciende a todos los que proyectan sus sombras sobre la luz de la fe, la fuerza de la esperanza y la primacía del amor. Como peregrinos, estamos llamados a tocar ligeramente esta tierra, no de una manera superficial, sino de una manera que nos inspire a comprender que caminar sobre esta tierra es un milagro.

Escribo esta columna en el 11º aniversario de mi consagración e instalación como el 11º obispo de la Diócesis de Jackson. Aplicando el enfoque de los Peregrinos de la Esperanza, he experimentado mi ministerio episcopal en su esencia como peregrino viajando a muchos lugares santos, por decir, nuestras parroquias, escuelas y ministerios, y de nuevo a la Catedral de San Pedro Apóstol. En momentos usuales y asombrosos, en temporada y fuera de temporada, mi vida está llena de encuentros con lo sagrado. Reconocer este don es la clave. Cada uno de nosotros tenemos que hacer el trabajo personal para “activar la llama” (2 Timoteo 1:6) nuestro llamado bautismal a estar vivos y activos como proclamados del Señor y peregrinos de esperanza. Nuestra identidad como hijos de Dios florece a través de la oración, a través de los sacramentos, a través de las obras de justicia y bondad realizadas con un espíritu de humildad. Cuando fijamos nuestros ojos en Jesús (Hebreos 12:12) “cada uno de nosotros podemos ser capaz de ofrecer una sonrisa, un pequeño gesto de amistad, una mirada amable, un oído listo a escuchar, una buena obra, sabiendo que, en el Espíritu de Jesús, pueden llegar a ser, para quien las recibe, ricas semillas de esperanza”. (Documento del Jubileo)

A medida que salga esta edición de la Mississippi Católico que circula por toda la diócesis, me encontrare en la India en mi segunda visita pastoral en donde de este increíble país tenemos 15 sacerdotes sirviendo en nuestra diócesis. Verdaderamente, esta es una visita pastoral para pasar tiempo con los obispos y provinciales que tienen sacerdotes en misión en la Diócesis de Jackson. Pero en esencia, es una peregrinación a muchos lugares santos y ministerios en la tierra donde el apóstol Santo Tomás proclamó por primera vez el Evangelio. Dondequiera que estemos en este mundo, San Pablo nos recuerda que al final “nuestra ciudadanía está en el cielo”. Sin embargo, el viaje comienza aquí y la bendición y el desafío es ver este mundo como Dios lo ve, y acompañarnos unos a otros como peregrinos con una preocupación permanente por la justicia, el bien y la solidaridad para todos.

La presentación en el templo nos muestra cómo Dios vive entre nosotros

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By Justin McLellan
CIUDAD DEL VATICANO (CNS) – La presentación de Jesús en el templo de Jerusalén muestra que la cercanía de Dios a la humanidad no se limita a un lugar de culto, sino que se manifiesta en su vivir entre la gente, dijo el Papa Francisco.

“Dios está presente en medio de su pueblo: no porque habite entre cuatro paredes, sino porque vive como hombre entre los hombres”, dijo el Papa antes de rezar el Ángelus con los visitantes en la Plaza de San Pedro el 2 de febrero. “Ésta es la novedad de Jesús”.

La lectura del Evangelio de San Lucas del día relataba cómo María y José llevaron al niño Jesús al templo 40 días después de su nacimiento, siguiendo la tradición judía.

Las “voces conmovidas” de Simeón y Ana, que llevaban mucho tiempo esperando al mesías, “resuenan entre las viejas piedras del Templo, anunciando el cumplimiento de las expectativas de Israel”, dijo el Papa.

La hermana Maryknoll Abby Avelino, coordinadora internacional de Talitha Kum, una red internacional de religiosas que trabajan contra la trata de personas, a la izquierda, se une a los jóvenes movilizados contra la trata de personas en la Plaza de San Pedro para el rezo del Ángelus por el Papa Francisco en el Vaticano el 19 de enero de 2025. (Foto por CNS/Vatican Media)

Simeón describió a Jesús de “tres hermosas maneras”, dijo el Papa. “Jesús es salvación; Jesús es luz; Jesús es signo de contradicción”.

“Como el sol que nace sobre el mundo, este niño lo redimirá de las tinieblas del mal, del dolor y de la muerte”, dijo el Papa Francisco. “¡Cuánta necesidad tenemos, también hoy, de esta luz!”.

Simeón profetizó entonces que Jesús será “signo de contradicción” para que “se revelen los pensamientos de muchos corazones”.

“Jesús revela el criterio para juzgar toda la historia y su drama, y también la vida de cada uno de nosotros”, explicó el Papa Francisco. “¿Y cuál es este criterio? Es el amor: el que ama vive, el que odia muere”.

El Papa instó a los cristianos a reflexionar sobre si también ellos anhelan a Dios: “¿Anhela mi corazón ver el rostro del Señor? ¿Espero la manifestación de su plan de salvación para la humanidad?”.

Tras rezar el Ángelus, el Papa hizo un llamamiento a decir “no” a la guerra.

“Lo destruye todo, destruye la vida y nos induce a desentendernos”, dijo; “no olvidemos que la guerra es siempre una derrota”.

El Papa Francisco renovó su llamamiento del año jubilar para que los líderes de los gobiernos cristianos “hagan todo lo posible en las negociaciones para poner fin a todos los conflictos en curso”.

“Recemos por la paz en la martirizada Ucrania, Palestina, Israel, Líbano, Myanmar, Sudán, Kiwu del Norte”, dijo, refiriéndose a la región del Congo donde a finales de enero estallaron intensos combates que causaron la muerte de cientos de personas.

La Casa Blanca sugiere que retirará fondos a Caridades Católicas

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Por Kate Scanlon
WASHINGTON (OSV News) – El 28 de enero, la Casa Blanca trató de aclarar lo que sería y no sería afectado por una directiva para congelar los programas de asistencia financiera federal y sugirió que trataría de despojar a los fondos federales de las organizaciones no gubernamentales, incluyendo Caridades Católicas, como parte de su esfuerzo para hacer cumplir sus políticas de inmigración.

Catholic Charities USA instó a la administración Trump a reconsiderar la congelación de los fondos en un comunicado del 28 de enero. Un juez bloqueó temporalmente la congelación ese mismo día.

La oficina de presupuesto de la Casa Blanca ordenó una pausa en todas las subvenciones y préstamos federales, lo que podría afectar billones de dólares en gastos del gobierno y detener programas públicos que afectan a millones de estadounidenses, según un memorando de esa oficina. Estas órdenes podrían afectar a las entidades católicas que dependen de dichas subvenciones.

En su primera rueda de prensa como secretaria de prensa de la Casa Blanca, el 28 de enero, Karoline Leavitt dijo que “esta no es una pausa general en la asistencia federal en programas de subvenciones de la administración Trump”, argumentando que la “asistencia individual” no se verá impactada, enumerando como ejemplos “los beneficios del Seguro Social, los beneficios de Medicare, los cupones de alimentos, los beneficios de bienestar social”.

Migrantes que buscan asilo en Estados Unidos caminan hacia un centro temporal de respiro humanitario administrado por Caridades Católicas del Valle del Río Grande en McAllen, Texas, 8 de abril de 2021. (Foto por CNS/Go Nakamura, Reuters)

“Es responsabilidad de este presidente y de esta administración ser buenos administradores de los dólares de los contribuyentes”, dijo, argumentando que la directiva era para combatir “wokeness” que va en contra de otras órdenes ejecutivas de Trump sobre temas como la diversidad, la equidad y los programas de inclusión.

Pero sigue habiendo dudas sobre cómo definirá la Casa Blanca la “asistencia prestada directamente a las personas”, como se indica en el memorando. Illinois y otros estados se quedaron sin acceso al portal que se utiliza para solicitar y gestionar el gasto de Medicaid, según informó la oficina del gobernador de ese estado, el demócrata J.B. Pritzker.

La Casa Blanca confirmó el corte, y Leavitt escribió en las redes sociales que son “conscientes de la interrupción del portal web de Medicaid”, pero dijo que pronto estaría disponible.

“Hemos confirmado que ningún pago se ha visto afectado: todavía se están procesando y enviando”, dijo. “Esperamos que el portal vuelva a estar en línea en breve”.

Leavitt fue preguntada por el impacto en organizaciones como Meals on Wheels, que se financia en parte con el programa Social Services Block Grant (SSBG), para entregar comidas a ancianos confinados en casa, en lugar de que los fondos de la subvención vayan directamente a los propios ancianos.

“No afecta a la ayuda individual que se destina a los estadounidenses”, respondió.

En otra parte de la sesión informativa, se le preguntó a Leavitt si Trump “tenía intención de cortar permanentemente la financiación a las ONG que traen extranjeros ilegales al país, como Catholic Charities.”

“En realidad estoy bastante segura de que el presidente firmó una orden ejecutiva que hacía precisamente eso”, dijo.

Kerry Alys Robinson, presidenta y consejera delegada de Catholic Charities USA, emitió un comunicado en el que no hizo referencia al intercambio en la sala de reuniones de la Casa Blanca, pero defendió la labor de su organización.

“El año pasado, el 92% de los servicios prestados por las 168 agencias independientes de Catholic Charities en todo el país cubrieron necesidades básicas – acceso a alimentos, vivienda, atención médica y otras necesidades – para familias y personas que luchan por salir adelante”, dijo Robinson. “Estos servicios vitales incluyen despensas de alimentos para aquellos que no pueden permitirse comprar comestibles, programas de cuidado de niños para familias de bajos ingresos, entrega de comidas para personas mayores confinadas en casa, recursos de capacitación laboral para veteranos, vivienda temporal y permanente, servicios de salud mental y mucho más”.

Los millones de estadounidenses “que dependen de este apoyo vital”, añadió, “sufrirán debido al esfuerzo sin precedentes de congelar la ayuda federal que apoya estos programas”.

“Las personas que perderán el acceso a una atención crucial son nuestros vecinos y familiares”, dijo Robinson. “Viven en todos los rincones del país y representan a todas las razas, religiones y afiliaciones políticas”.

“Durante más de un siglo, la red de Caridades Católicas ha colaborado con el gobierno para atender a las personas pobres y vulnerables en todas las comunidades de EE.UU., y seguimos dispuestos a colaborar con el gobierno para atender a nuestros vecinos necesitados. Instamos encarecidamente a la administración a que reconsidere esta decisión”, prosiguió.

El grupo también instó a sus simpatizantes a ponerse en contacto con sus representantes en el Congreso.
OSV News se ha puesto en contacto con la Conferencia de los Obispos Católicos de Estados Unidos (USCCB) y está a la espera de una respuesta. Tanto la CCUSA como la USCCB han afirmado que respetan la ley en su trabajo con inmigrantes y refugiados.

En una declaración del 26 de enero, emitida horas después de que el vicepresidente JD Vance cuestionara los motivos de las críticas de los obispos estadounidenses a las nuevas políticas de inmigración del presidente Donald Trump en una entrevista que se emitió esa mañana, la USCCB dijo: “Fiel a las enseñanzas de Jesucristo, la Iglesia católica tiene una larga historia de servicio a los refugiados”.

“En 1980, los obispos de Estados Unidos comenzaron a asociarse con el gobierno federal para llevar a cabo este servicio cuando el Congreso creó el Programa de Admisión de Refugiados de Estados Unidos (USRAP)”, dice el comunicado. “Cada persona reasentada a través del USRAP es examinada y aprobada para el programa por el gobierno federal mientras se encuentra fuera de Estados Unidos. En nuestros acuerdos con el gobierno, la USCCB recibe fondos para realizar este trabajo; sin embargo, estos fondos no son suficientes para cubrir todo el coste de estos programas. No obstante, ésta sigue siendo una obra de misericordia y un ministerio de la Iglesia”.

(Kate Scanlon es una reportera nacional de OSV News que cubre Washington. Síguela en X @kgscanlon.)