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Sister Thea Bowman had a ‘loving heart,’ ‘ prophetic spirit’ and ‘boundless stamina,’ bishop says

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By Jennifer Brinker / St. Louis Review

JACKSON, Miss. (OSV News) — Servant of God Thea Bowman was a beacon for the Church to embrace more authentically the essence of what it means to be Catholic, Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz told Massgoers at the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle in Jackson.

“To love the Lord your God with your whole heart, mind, soul and strength, and your neighbor as yourself portrays her lifelong commitment,” he said in his homily at a Feb. 9 Mass of thanksgiving marking the conclusion of the diocesan phase of Sister Thea’s canonization cause. “Her loving heart, her prophetic spirit, her brilliant mind and boundless stamina, even in illness, inspired many.”

The Mass was attended by friends and acquaintances of Sister Thea, representatives from her religious order, the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, members of the historical commission who were part of the diocesan investigation and students from Sister Thea Bowman School in Jackson.

An official closing session of the diocesan phase of the canonization process followed the Mass, where the cause’s leaders ceremoniously sealed several boxes containing the diocesan phase’s documents and findings. In all, 10 boxes containing two sets of documents including more than 15,000 pages each, will be sent to the apostolic nunciature in Washington and then transferred to the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Causes of Saints, which will further investigate the cause.

Jackson’s Bishop Kopacz, the main celebrant at the Mass, was among several bishops who witnessed the closing session. Concelebrants included Archbishop Mark S. Rivituso and retired Archbishop Thomas J. Rodi of Mobile, Alabama, and Bishop Steven J. Raica and retired Bishop Robert J. Baker of Birmingham, Alabama.

Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz places a seal on the boxes for the cause for Sister Thea Bowman, with the assistance of postulator, Emanuele Spedicato on Feb. 9 at the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle. (Photo by Tereza Ma/Mississippi Catholic)

Bishop Kopacz in 2018 opened the cause for Sister Thea, a native of Mississippi who was born in Yazoo City and raised in Canton. She was the only African American member of the Wisconsin-based Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration. Before she died of cancer in 1990 at age 52, she was a widely known speaker, evangelizer and singer.

Nearly eight years after the cause was opened, Bishop Kopacz described the moment of closing the diocesan phase of the investigation as a blessing, especially for those who have been inspired by Sister Thea’s life.

“There’s considerable joy in the African American community,” he said. “It radiates throughout the whole diocese. Our Hispanic population is very proud of Sister Thea Bowman, too. They look to her as someone who had done a lot in her life and inspires them, in spite of obstacles, to continue forward. She had a great passion and love for God, and she saw the Church as the body of Christ as being for all. She taught people to be proud of their culture, and yet see the universality of the Church.”

Among the documents and findings related to Sister Thea are interviews with more than 40 witnesses as well as her writings, articles and other items pertaining to her life, said Emanuele Spedicato, the postulator for the cause who has been charged with sending the documents to Rome.

There are main components of a canonization investigation, which include a proven reputation for holiness, a rigorous examination of the candidate’s writings and life, the testimony of witnesses regarding heroic virtue and the investigation of at least one miracle attributed to their intercession.

Notary for the cause, Fabvienen Taylor witnesses Emanuele Spedicato place the final documents in the boxes for the cause for Servant of God Sister Thea Bowman.

Once the Vatican accepts the acts of the diocesan investigation, the sealed boxes will be opened and then begins the work of summarizing the information, said Spedicato, who will be tasked with writing the “positio,” which lays out the case for sainthood. From there, it is sent to the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints and then ultimately to the pope.

“The most exciting part is being here today and showing the people the formalities (of the investigation) that are not only formalities but it’s for a purpose,” Spedicato said.

Sister Thea is among seven Black Catholics with active sainthood causes — dubbed the “Saintly Seven.”

Of the seven, four have been declared “Venerable”: Mother Mary Lange, who founded the Oblate Sisters of Providence, the first Catholic order of African American women religious, in Baltimore; Father Augustus Tolton from Chicago, the first Catholic priest in the United States known to be Black; Pierre Toussaint from New York City, known for his works of charity; and Mother Henriette Delille, foundress of the Sisters of the Holy Family in New Orleans.

Two others, like Sister Thea, have the title “Servant of God”: Julia Greeley, who was born into slavery and after her emancipation later moved to Denver, where she was known for her works of charity; and Father Martin de Porres Maria Ward, a Conventual Franciscan and Boston native who served the poor and the sick on mission in Brazil well into the late 1990s.

Myrtle Otto

Among those who attended the Mass at the Jackson cathedral was Myrtle Otto, one of Sister Thea’s pupils at Holy Child Jesus School in Canton.

After joining the Francsican Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, Sister Thea returned to the school where she once was a student to teach music and English literature. She often stressed the importance of receiving a good education but also knew how to have fun, too, Otto said.

“We respected her in the utmost,” she said, adding that Sister Thea’s legacy should live on in how we treat others.

“Always learn to be kind,” Otto said. “Always learn to give people what’s due to them. She was a strong woman, and she taught us how to be strong. Regardless of what goes on, you pray and you go on and you’ll be successful. She’s now gone to glory with God.”

Several members of the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration leadership were in attendance, including Sister Georgia Christensen, who knew Sister Thea from the time they were junior professed sisters.

Years ago during one of her assignments at a predominantly Black school in California, Sister Thea had come to help out for a brief period and was encouraging with the students, Sister Georgia recalled.

“She always had a spirit of joy about her,” she told the St. Louis Review, news outlet of the St. Louis Archdiocese, which Sister Thea visited on numerous occasions in the 1980s.

“She was able to break into song at any time, just praising God and making others happy. It touches the soul, and what it says is her life was a life worth living,” Sister Georgia recalled.

As part of their community’s perpetual adoration, the Franciscan sisters include a prayer at the end of every hour with the line: “All praise and all thanksgiving, be every moment thine.”

“I couldn’t help but think of that here today,” Sister Georgia said. “This is a moment of glory to God and Thea was the cause of it.”

Jennifer Brinker is a reporter at the St. Louis Review and Catholic St. Louis, the news outlets of the Archdiocese of St. Louis. This story was originally published by the St. Louis Review and distributed through a partnership with OSV News.

Click here to view photos from the Mass of Thanksgiving and Closing of the Diocesan Phase of the Cause for Servant of God Sister Thea Bowman, FSPA
Click here for Recording of the Mass of Thanksgiving and Closing of the Diocesan Phase of the Cause for Servant of God Sister Thea Bowman, FSPA on YouTube

Hope Rising: Diocese launches 2026 Catholic Service Appeal

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By Joanna Puddister King
JACKSON – As the Diocese of Jackson approaches Commitment Sunday for the 2026 Catholic Service Appeal (CSA), Catholics across the diocese are invited to prayerfully reflect on their commitment to prayer, participation, and generosity in support of ministries that serve communities throughout the diocese.

Commitment Weekend, including the in-pew collection, will take place Feb. 14–15 in parishes across the diocese.

The theme for the 2026 Appeal, Hope Rising, reflects both the spiritual foundation of the CSA and its tangible impact across the diocese. Rooted in the Gospel and inspired by the Beatitudes, the Appeal supports ministries that bring Christ’s compassion to life in parishes, missions and communities large and small.

Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz has emphasized that hope is not an abstract idea, but something made visible through the shared mission of the Church. When Catholics live out the Beatitudes, he notes, hope does not merely glimmer – it rises. Through the Catholic Service Appeal, the faithful become a living witness of Christ’s compassion, serving those in need and strengthening the Church across the Diocese of Jackson.

Funds raised through the CSA support a wide range of diocesan ministries, including the formation of future priests, care for retired clergy, prison ministry, faith formation programs, and the charitable outreach of Catholic Charities. Together, these ministries serve individuals and families facing hardship, accompany those seeking healing and reconciliation, and nurture faith at every stage of life.

The Appeal is the primary means by which the diocese funds ministries that no single parish could sustain alone. Through the Catholic Service Appeal, each parish works toward a shared goal to help sustain diocesan ministries, and through this shared participation, Catholics across the Diocese of Jackson help ensure that pastoral care, education, charitable outreach and evangelization remain accessible in every corner of the diocese.

While the CSA is a financial appeal, diocesan leaders stress that it begins with prayer. Parishioners are encouraged to reflect on how God is calling them to participate – through prayer, service, and, as they are able, financial support.

As one diocesan family, Catholics are invited to be the hands and heart of Christ. When the faithful walk together in faith and generosity, hope truly rises for those they serve.

For more information about the 2026 Catholic Service Appeal, visit csa.jacksondiocese.org or contact Rebecca Harris, director of stewardship and development at rebecca.harris@jacksondiocese.org.

Diocesan teens gather for annual SEARCH Retreat

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By Joanna Puddister King
GALLMAN – High school juniors and seniors from across the Diocese of Jackson gathered at Camp Wesley Pines near Hazlehurst Jan. 16–18 for the annual diocesan SEARCH Retreat. SEARCH is a Catholic youth retreat modeled after the Cursillo retreat for adults, designed specifically for high school juniors and seniors who desire to deepen their faith and relationship with Christ.

A retreat “for teens, led by teens,” SEARCH is an experience like none other, with a strong focus on vocations. It engages youth in a special way and calls them to live out their Catholic faith in a bold, real, active and healthy way.

“Much of what happens in the retreat is kept a mystery, but a few things are certain – you will have fun, you will be challenged to grow in your faith, and chances are you will make a few new friends,” said Abbey Schuhmann, coordinator of the Office of Youth Ministry for the Diocese of Jackson.

The retreat team is primarily made up of a youth staff of teens who have previously attended a SEARCH retreat. Once a teen attends a SEARCH weekend, he or she has the opportunity to apply to staff future retreats, Schuhmann explained.

While the teens lead the retreat, adult leaders and clergy serve largely behind the scenes. Deacon Will Foggo assisted throughout the weekend and led adoration and benediction, helping guide the teens in prayer and worship. Seminarians Joe Pearson and Henry Haley were also present, offering witness talks and spending time with participants to share about vocational discernment and life in seminary.

The SEARCH model gives youth the opportunity to demonstrate and carry out servant leadership. The retreat would not be possible without the support of adult volunteers who have served in this ministry for many years.

“We are especially grateful to Ann and Jeff Cook for continuing to serve as volunteer adult SEARCH coordinators,” Schuhmann said. “Without their dedicated service, this ministry would not be where it is today.”

The SEARCH ministry continues to grow in the diocese, with each retreat welcoming new participants into what has become a strong and enduring SEARCH family.

Mardi Gras floats thrive in Gerow family

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From the Archives
By Mary Woodward
Since Mardi Gras is approaching and parades are rolling all over the region, I wanted to share a fun fact about Bishop Richard Gerow’s father, Warren Rosecranz Gerow.

As I have chronicled in these columns, Bishop Gerow is a native of Mobile. There is a big debate as to where the first Mardi Gras celebration occurred in the United States. New Orleans claims Mardi Gras, but Mobile is fiercely protective of the fact that the first hint of Mardi Gras on the soil of the country happened around 1699 outside of its current location. I think the towns have settled on Mobile came first, and New Orleans made it bigger. That is probably the best consensus among the ranks.

With that being said, let me tell you about Bishop Gerow’s father. Warren Gerow was born in Mobile on Aug. 21, 1850 to Warren DeLancey Gerow and Charlotte Rosecranz, who had moved to Mobile from Duchess County, New York prior to the arrival of Warren Rosecranz. He was the oldest of Warren and Charlotte’s four children.

Warren DeLancey was a shipbuilder and probably moved to Mobile, which was growing into a large port. The family home was a one-story wood-framed building on the east side of Hamilton Street near Eslava Street. Bishop Gerow in his Reminiscences describes the yard as having two fig trees and that he would visit his grandparents much more often during fig season. Having a fig tree in my yard, I understand why the visits were probably daily during July.

Bishop Gerow’s father married Annie Skehan on April 11, 1883. Two years later on May 3, the future bishop, Richard Oliver Gerow was born to Warren and Annie.

Let me allow Bishop Gerow to take it from here: “My father received his education in the public schools of Mobile. His early years gave evidence of a talent for art, drawing and painting, and later this became most helpful to him when he was engaged permanently by the Order of Myths (OOM) for designing and construction of the Mardi Gras floats of that Order.

“He was a great reader and student all his life and accumulated a rather fine library of classics of history, science, and literature. I still have very vivid memory of my father. As I grew we became the greatest of close pals. To me he was the greatest man in the world.

“I remember well the large warehouse on Commerce Street where he used to construct the floats. I was a frequent visitor, and I had the esteemed privilege of knowing long in advance the great secret of what the floats would represent when they were paraded on Mardi Gras night.

“I still remember many of the intriguing floats. One particularly I remember had little electric bulbs lighted at the tip of gigantic morning glory blossoms each representing a sparkling dew drop. “In order to light these bulbs my father had to construct within the float a dynamo – for storage batteries were not available in those days. I remember that at night at home he would study books on electricity. I remember, too, the big wheel within the float with iron cranks on either side had to be turned by two muscular men – and it worked beautifully.

“Other cities from time to time called upon him to put on pageants – among these was Baltimore, Albany, Vicksburg. He was a member of the No. 5 Volunteer Fire Department and also of a Volunteer Company of the U.S. Artillery.

“On May 29, 1894, my father died; he was buried in the Gerow lot in Magnolia Cemetery. During his long illness he gave serious thought to preparing his soul for death. He had not been a church-goer for many years. He now gave thought to the Catholic Church, and well before he died his family had the pleasure and consolation of seeing him received into the Catholic Church and prepared with the last sacraments.”

Having come upon this account in Bishop Gerow’s Reminiscences I will have a more nostalgic and more appreciative experience of Mardi Gras this year. Bishop Gerow was only 11 when his father died. His father had become his closest friend and losing one’s father at any age is so difficult. But losing one’s father at such a young age had a profound effect on young Richard.

As I have written before, Richard grew up in the shadow of the Cathedral, and he received all his sacraments there, except for ordination to the priesthood. His father would have been received into the church there.

As he grew older, Bishop Edward Allen became somewhat of a spiritual father to Richard. Bishop Allen would have helped guide Richard ultimately to seminary and ordination. But I sense that Warren Rosecranz Gerow was deep within Richard’s heart as a profoundly spiritual and creative driving force who instilled in his young son a sense of wonderment for creation and a love for arts and sciences that he carried with him throughout his life.

I hope this memory of Bishop Gerow inspires you as much as it has inspired me. Have a wonderful and safe Mardi Gras and a blessed Lenten journey.

(Mary Woodward is Chancellor and Archivist for the Diocese of Jackson.)

Annie Skehan Gerow is pictured in an undated photograph taken prior to 1894. At left, her husband, Warren Rosecranz Gerow, father of Bishop Richard Gerow, is shown in an undated portrait. Warren Gerow was a Mobile native known for his artistic talent and work designing Mardi Gras floats for the Order of Myths. (Photo from archives)

Bearing hope in a land that hungers for peace

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By Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz, D.D.
In January 2026, The Holy Land Co-ordination undertook its annual mission to the land made holy by the incarnate presence of the Lord nearly 2,000 years ago. The Holy Land Coordination was initiated by the Vatican, the Holy See at the beginning of the third millennium in order to deepen the relationship between the Christian communities in Palestine and Israel with Catholic Episcopal Conferences in Europe, the British Isles, Canada and the United States. Its defining characteristics are pilgrimage, prayer, presence, and pressure or persuasion. The theme for 2026 was: A Land of Promise – Encounter and dialogue with People of Hope.

Bishop Joseph Kopacz visited a Bedouin community outside of Jerusalem on the Holy Land Co-ordination pilgrimage undertaken by various Catholic Episcopal Conferences in Europe, British Isles, Canada and the United States. This year’s theme was A Land of Promise – Encounter and dialogue with People of Hope. (Photo by Marcin Mazur/Catholic Church of England and Wales)

The pilgrimage included a visit to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher where we celebrated Mass at the Lord’s tomb on two consecutive days. The first moment of the resurrection dawned on this site when the risen Lord Jesus blessed men and women of every age with the hope and peace that the world cannot give and for which the Holy Land hungers and thirsts. The Eucharist was the heart of each day and especially meaningful when celebrated with various communities of biblical roots. This pilgrimage did not include the traditional holy sites marking the Lord’s life, death and resurrection, but rather an experience of the sacred each time the people of Palestine and Jerusalem opened their hearts and homes to us in wholehearted hospitality.

Along with pilgrimage and prayer, another pillar of the Holy Land Co-ordination is presence. Each encounter with diverse communities on the margins was an opportunity to humbly listen to their stories of daily hardship and yet to witness their resolve not to give up hope for a life of dignity and peace. Our presence was an embrace of hope, an assurance that they are not forgotten. Who are the marginalized in Palestine and Israel whose voices are barely heard during the current din of war and catastrophic destruction in Gaza in response to the heinous act of terrorism on Oct. 7, 2023.

At the outset, we sat with a Bedouin community who are visible from the highway that leads from Jerusalem to Jericho toward the Jordan River and the Dead Sea. Their ancient way of life is threatened daily by the intimidation and violence of the extremist Jewish settlers who want to drive them from the land. These nomadic tribes are recognized by law and so they seek legal recourse from the government over their plight, but their voices are barely heard, and their rights are routinely ignored. They were grateful that we spent time with them in conversation that continued over a traditional Bedouin meal. It was an affirmation of their dignity, a great gift for them and for us.

Bishop Joseph Kopacz pauses in prayer while lighting a candle at St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Taybeh during the Holy Land Co-ordination pilgrimage. (Photos by Marcin Mazur/Catholic Church of England and Wales)

Throughout the West Bank many Palestinian communities have been under extreme duress and relentless pressure to leave their ancestral lands and villages either through internal displacement or external migration. We visited Taybeh – a Christian community of approximately 1,300 residents who are struggling mightily for their survival. We celebrated Sunday Mass and afterwards listened to the elders of the town who spoke about their struggle that has led to the forced migration of nearly 90% of their family members and neighbors. Extremist Jewish settlers destroy their olive trees, steal or kill the livestock, confiscate their land and cast a climate of fear over this besieged community. In the current climate especially, their voices go unheard, and their rights are relentlessly trampled. The Taybeh community is indicative of the evident diminishment of the Christian population in the Holy Land. Those who remain are long suffering and survive by relying on the generosity of those who left and have not forgotten them, as well as their own industriousness born of their love for their ancestral homeland. Courage and hope are renewed with visits such as ours. On another note, considered to be the first Palestinian brewery, Taybeh beer made on site is delicious, and provides much needed employment for some of the locals.

Leaving the West Bank, we visited the St. James Vicariate of the Latin Patriarchy which is comprised of Hebrew speaking Christians in Israel. They were eager to point out that they have lived peacefully for generations in the midst of their Jerusalem Jewish neighborhoods. Whereas Arabic is the mother tongue of the Palestinian population, the Hebrew speaking Catholic Christian is a rarity – 1,000 to 2,000 in the dominant culture of 8 million. They work tirelessly to teach the faith to the next generation of their children and youth, as well as to serve the Catholic migrants in Israel who come from the Philippines and other countries to shore up Israel’s work force.

We had the privilege of a lengthy visit with Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem and his staff that included the Eucharist, a sumptuous meal and presentations that provided a broader perspective of the besieged Christian population in the Holy Land that includes Palestine, Jordan and Cyprus. His ardent prayer and hope are to see the return of the flow of pilgrims and tourists to the holy sites from around the world because the locals suffer greatly in their absence.

On the final day of the Holy Land Co-ordination pilgrimage, Bishop Kopacz and the group had an opportunity to visit the St. John Paul II Foundation, an educational institution for Christian youth, located in Bethlehem.

In the midst of our visit to the Latin Patriarchy, we heard from Father Gabriel Romanelli via Zoom. He is the pastor of Holy Family Parish in Gaza who has lived with the daily devastation since the war began. No one can reverse the unimaginable loss of life and the destruction of essential structures and infrastructure, but he is hoping that governments and NGOs can collaborate to begin the rebuilding process without delay. In his experience, each day that passes without the distribution of food, medicine and water is a death sentence for many who are extremely vulnerable. All people of good will are hoping against hope that the peace plan takes hold, and the weapons are put aside.

Another key facet of our pilgrimage were gatherings with those dedicated to reconciliation, justice and peace. In these dark times of war and devastation, voices for peace in Israel are given little credence from the majority of the population and have no chance at all among the hardliners and extremists. In many sectors of society, the peacemakers are not considered blessed, but treasonous for deviating from the prevailing standard of uncompromising retribution. This goes for the majority on both sides. Nonetheless, the voices and witness of The Rossing Center for Education and Dialogue, of Rabbis for Human Rights and the Defense of Human Dignity, and of the Parents Circle – Family Forum whose members, Palestinian and Israelis, have lost children to war and terrorism, and yet walk side by side, were all points of light and hope. Against all odds, they persevere with their vision for a sustainable and humane future and tirelessly work to impact the hearts and minds of the young, especially in the education system and other forums.

The final day for the Holy Land Co-ordination pilgrimage was in Bethlehem where the Christian population is greatly diminished, having been scattered to the four winds in recent decades. Many have left the city of the Lord’s birth and now live in the Diaspora, so to speak, likely never to return to their homeland. Nevertheless, we had the opportunity to visit a school for the deaf, the St. John Paul II Foundation, an educational institution for Christian youth, and the Latin Patriarch seminary that has recently reopened its doors to candidates from Palestine, Jordan and Cyprus. In these three diverse educational settings, hope is renewed in the eager faces of the children, youth and candidates for the priesthood. Of course, the generosity from Christians from afar is crucial for the survival of these institutions.

In conclusion, each evening the bishops and staff gathered for reflection, conversation and prayer. From this hour of prayerful listening to one another and to the Holy Spirit the accompanying statement was written to be distributed by our Episcopal Conferences and through our (arch)dioceses. In doing so, the fourth pillar of pressure/persuasion of the Holy Land Co-ordination is addressed. May the seeds that are planted through this unique pilgrimage in solidarity with many who cry out in this tortured land, produce a harvest of justice and peace.

Final Communiqué of the Co-ordination of Episcopal Conferences in Support of the Church of the Holy Land, 17 – 21 January 2026

Click here for photos from Bishop Kopacz’s Pilgrimage to the Holy Land

Final Communiqué of the Co-ordination of Episcopal Conferences in Support of the Church of the Holy Land17 – 21 January 2026

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“You are the salt of the earth; you are the light of the world” Matthew 5:13-14

Our pilgrimage was to a Land where people are suffering trauma. We began with a visit to Bedouin communities living on the margins of society in the Occupied West Bank. They shared their experiences of a life on the periphery, being observed but often not encountered, their movement heavily restricted by rapidly expanding settlements encircling them on the surrounding hills.

We heard stories about Israeli settler attacks and their continual violence and intimidation, theft of livestock and demolition of property, leaving many unable to sleep at night for fear of further violence. When we asked them who sees their struggles and their cry to live in peace with their neighbors, they replied: “Nobody sees us.”

A family praises God at Taybeh Parish – Christ the Redeemer Church, located in the center of the West Bank. Bishops from the Holy Land Co-ordination pilgrimage attended Mass in January 2026 and visited with the community. (Photo by Marcin Mazur/Catholic Church of England and Wales)

Our journey continued with Mass in the only completely Christian town in Palestine. They, too, told us of their suffering: endless attacks from extremist settlers, uprooting of their olive trees, the seizure of their land and intimidatory acts that make their daily life unbearable, driving many into mass emigration. In the twelve months since our last visit, the Land of Promise is being diminished and challenged. Gaza remains a catastrophic humanitarian crisis. The people of the West Bank we encountered are demoralized and fearful. The courageous Israeli voices which speak out for human and civil rights are increasingly threatened; advocating for marginalized voices is a costly solidarity. We fear that soon, they too will be silenced.

As Christians, it is our calling and duty to give a voice to the voiceless, and to bear witness to their dignity, so that the world may know their suffering and be moved to advocate for justice and compassion.
The settlements in the West Bank, illegal under international law, continue to expand by commandeering the land of others. The universality of human rights applies to all without exception. Instead, it is relentlessly replaced by a system where dignity and protection depend on one’s civil status.

We affirm Israel’s right to exist and for Israelis to live in peace and security; equally, we call for these same rights to be upheld for all those rooted in this land. We hope that efforts for peace will prevail over violence, and that there will be no more acts of terrorism and war. We also urge our governments to exert pressure on Israel to uphold the rules-based international order and to revive meaningful negotiations toward a two-state solution for the benefit and security of all.

We were deeply moved by the faith and steadfastness of local Christians and also by people of other faiths who work to sustain the hope of their communities. They remind us that it is our shared vocation to be “salt of the earth” and “light of the world” and to strive for peaceful coexistence and security across the Holy Land.

We also witnessed the courage of those Jewish and Palestinian voices who, despite immense challenges and their own trauma, continue to advocate for justice, dialogue and reconciliation. Hearing from parents who have lost a child to conflict and can still find a way to forgive, offers a powerful witness to the possibility of peace and reconciliation. Few experiences are more devastating. When such a mother or father pleads for an end to violence, the world must listen – and act.

The people of the Holy Land cry out for our help and prayers; they long for an end to their suffering. Stand with them. Recognize their plea for dignity. Help foster genuine dialogue between communities. Heed the call of Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, to come on pilgrimage as a sign of our love, support and solidarity with them.

As we leave this Land, we do so with our hearts full of compassion for those who are suffering and inspired by those who, by their pursuit of justice, keep the hope of peace alive.
Our Lady Queen of Palestine and of all the Holy Land, pray for us.

Rt. Rev. Nicholas Hudson
Bishop of Plymouth

Moderator of the Holy Land Coordination

Chair of the International Affairs Department, Bishops’ Conference
 England and Wales

Rt. Rev. Nicolo Anselmi
Bishop of Rimini

Italy

Most Rev. Udo Bentz
Archbishop of Paderborn

Germany


Rt. Rev. Peter Burcher
Bishop Emeritus of Reykjavik

Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland

Rt. Rev. James Curry
Auxiliary Bishop of Westminster

International Affairs Department, Bishops’ Conference
England and Wales

Rt. Rev. Paul Dempsey
Auxiliary Bishop of Dublin

Ireland

Rt. Rev. Michel Dubost C.I.M.
Bishop Emeritus of Evry-Corbeil-Essonnes
France

Most Rev. Antoine Herouard
Archbishop of Dijon
Co-President of Justice & Peace, Europe

Vice-President of COMECE

France

Rt. Rev. Joseph Kopacz

Bishop of Jackson
International Justice and Peace Department, Bishops’ Conference

United States of America


Most Rev. William Nolan
Archbishop of Glasgow
Justice and Peace Scotland
Scotland

Rt. Rev. Christian Rodembourg M.S.A.
Bishop of Saint-Hyacinthe

Canada

Most Rev. Joan Enric Vives Sicilia
Bishop Emeritus of Urgell

Spain

Rt. Rev. Abdallah Elias Zaidan
Bishop of the Maronite Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon

Chair of the Committee on International Justice and Peace, Bishops’ Conference
United States of America

Photos from the Holy Land Co-ordination Pilgrimage 2026

Learning the heart of the priesthood

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GUEST COLUMN
By Joe Pearson
There were many sleepy eyes as we seminarians gathered for Mass at 3:15 a.m. before departing for our mission trip to Costa Rica. The chapel was dark and quiet, without the usual buzz of the choir rehearsing, but there was an air of excitement and anticipation.

The prayer over the Offerings for that Mass, the Memorial of St. Francis Xavier, was a fitting send-off: “Receive, O Lord, these offerings we bring you in commemoration of St. Francis Xavier, and grant that, as he journeyed to distant lands out of longing for the salvation of souls, so we, too, bearing effective witness to the Gospel, may, with our brothers and sisters, eagerly hasten toward you. Through Christ our Lord.”

Joe Pearson

As part of our priestly formation, each year the class of first-configuration seminarians travels to the Diocese of Limón on the western coast of Costa Rica. The week consists of evangelization, manual labor and the celebration of liturgy with the people.

Our flight arrived in the capital city of San José, and from there we bused to our base camp in Limón. We were joyfully greeted by Father Pablo Escriva de Romani, a missionary priest originally from Madrid, Spain, who would be our leader for the week. We immediately gathered for an hour of Eucharistic exposition and evening prayer.

“It is important to remember we are evangelists, not social workers,” Father Pablo said over dinner that first night, a point he reiterated throughout the trip. The source of our strength was prayer. Our purpose was not merely to perform charitable acts but to encounter people. Our motivation was not simply that it is good to help those in need. We have encountered the gratuitous love of our Lord, and as a consequence we are compelled to share that love with our neighbors, especially the poor, with whom Christ aligns himself in a unique way.

The next day, we set out a few miles down the road to work in conjunction with the Missionaries of Charity, the religious order founded by St. Mother Teresa. Through them, we were connected with two refugee families whose homes were in desperate need of repair. We spent the day tearing out rotting floors and digging holes for the concrete pillars that would support new ones. Throughout our work, we spoke with the families, and at the end of the day we gathered to pray with them and thank them for the opportunity to serve.

From there, our trip transitioned as we drove to remote villages of the indigenous people to minister to them and celebrate Mass. I rode with Father Pablo as we bounced along rough mountain roads in his old 4Runner. His excitement was contagious. He grinned from ear to ear, like a child awaiting Christmas morning. His love for the people was tangible.

For more than 40 years, the indigenous communities had not been visited by a priest until Father Pablo began doing so about 10 years ago. The people knew they were Catholic in name but little else about the faith. Over years of loving, zealous care, Father Pablo has helped build up a vibrant community.

I was deeply moved by the faith of the indigenous people. Many walked miles along rugged mountain paths from neighboring villages when they heard Mass would be offered on Sunday. They prayed fervently late into the night before the Blessed Sacrament.

At the end of our trip, we set aside a full day for a silent retreat to reflect on our experiences and the graces the Lord offered during our time on mission. It is true that the Lord is never outdone in generosity. As missionaries, we prepare to give of ourselves and to witness selflessly and boldly to the Gospel. Yet so often it is the people we encounter who witness to us by their faith, leaving us spiritually edified.

Over the course of the mission trip, we experienced the essence of the priesthood: offering worship to God and, out of longing for the salvation of souls, inviting all to share in the joy of the Gospel. And what a joy it is. As we invite others to hasten toward the Savior, we simultaneously hasten toward him ourselves. There is no greater gift, no greater happiness.

(Joe Pearson is a seminarian for the Diocese of Jackson in the first-configuration class at St. Joseph Seminary College in St. Benedict, Louisiana.)

Called by Name

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Our seminarians are back at school following Christmas break. Many of our men spent time in their home parishes or in other parishes throughout the diocese. One of the movements of formation is a desire to spend time in the parish and in the rectory as guys progress closer to priesthood. I hosted several of our seminarians here at the Cathedral Rectory, and I’m grateful to other brother priests who made their homes available as well.

Beyond spending time with family and in parishes, our seminarians also participate in diocesan events as they are able when they are home. The winter SEARCH retreat hosted by the Office of Youth Ministry has long been a great event where our guys can share their gifts. SEARCH has long been a keystone event for high schoolers in our youth groups and Catholic schools. It is a weekend-long retreat that has helped countless young people come closer to Christ at this key point in their lives.

I appreciate Abbey Schuhmann, our diocesan youth coordinator, for having the seminarians help plan and execute liturgies and to help accompany the teens who are on retreat. This tradition goes back at least 2012 when I was in seminary. Back then, Father Aaron Williams was a SEARCH alum who made it a priority to provide beautiful opportunities for liturgical prayer for the teens while he was a seminarian. He passed that role to Father Andrew Bowden, who passed it to Deacon Will Foggo, who is passing that role (I think!) to Joe Pearson.

I was very proud to see Deacon Will at SEARCH this year leading adoration and benediction for the teens. It was a full-circle moment for him, having been a youth group member at St. Paul Flowood and a SEARCH participant, and now leading the teens in prayer as an ordained minister. This is the sort of homegrown story that I always try to highlight. The seminarians we have are from our communities, and, when ordained, will serve our communities. So much goodness can come forth from this type of continuity, both for the people of God and for the seminarians and priests of our diocese.

I was a little embarrassed, however, during benediction. Like a proud dad, I got my phone out to take a picture of Deacon Will, and I forgot to put it on silent. So when I took the photo, there was a loud click in the midst of the beauty and silence of benediction. Whoops. Sorry, Lord.

Cognia recognizes Catholic school system in Diocese of Jackson among top school systems worldwide

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By Joanna Puddister King
JACKSON – Representatives from Cognia formally presented the 2025 Cognia System of Distinction Award to the Catholic Diocese of Jackson on Monday, Feb. 2, recognizing the diocesan Catholic school system for exceptional performance during its most recent accreditation review.

The presentation took place during a gathering that included Bishop Joseph Kopacz, principals from Catholic schools across the diocese, and chancery staff who work closely with Catholic education. The ceremony marked the culmination of a rigorous review conducted during the 2024–2025 school year.
Dr. Jeremy Stinson, Cognia’s director of the Southeast Region, presented the award on behalf of the organization, joined by Dr. Michael Bratcher, vice president of domestic accreditation services and lead evaluator for the diocese’s review. Stinson said the distinction recognizes systems that truly stand out in their service to learners by meeting and exceeding Cognia’s performance standards.

“The System of Distinction program recognizes systems and schools across the world who truly stand out in their service to learners,” Stinson said, noting that honorees demonstrate excellence in culture for learning, leadership for learning, engagement of learning and growth in learning.

RIDGELAND – The Diocese of Jackson was officially presented with a certificate as a Cognia System of Distinction on Monday, Feb. 2 at a special gathering in Ridgeland. Pictured (l-r): Bishop Joseph Kopacz, Karla Luke, Joni House, Dr. Jeremy Stinson and Dr. Michael Bratcher. (Photo by Joanna Puddister King)

Launched in 2021, Cognia’s Schools and Systems of Distinction program honors institutions in their year of accreditation review that exemplify high-quality instruction, organizational effectiveness and a strong commitment to continuous improvement. During the most recent review cycle, Cognia evaluated more than 1,100 systems worldwide and selected only seven systems across 14 states and four countries for the distinction.

Stinson emphasized that Cognia accreditation is not a checklist or a one-time achievement, but a continuous improvement journey. He said the Diocese of Jackson’s accreditation review was a rigorous external audit of systemwide practices and procedures and reflected the diligence and collaboration of educators and leaders throughout the diocese.

“This great accomplishment emphasizes the importance of a students-first approach and collaborative leadership within the diocese,” Stinson said.

One measure that stood out during the review was the diocese’s Index of Education Quality (IEQ) score of 389 out of 400, significantly higher than the Cognia network average of 296. Stinson said the score reflects the diocese’s mission in action and its commitment to providing engaging and equitable learning environments.

During the review, Cognia evaluators identified several Noteworthy Practices, including the diocese’s effective and intentional commitment to Catholic identity, mission and guiding principles, as well as its culture of collaboration and continuous improvement. Evaluators also highlighted the system’s leadership model, which supports shared priorities while allowing individual schools to reflect their unique charisms and needs.

The System of Distinction recognition builds on work that began in 2018, when the Diocese of Jackson embarked on its first systemwide accreditation process with Cognia. The two-year effort led to initial system accreditation in 2020 and laid the foundation for this year’s honor.

That work was led by Karla Luke, who retired in September after more than 33 years in Catholic education. Luke described the recognition as one of the most meaningful moments of her career.

“Over the past 33 years, the most recent accomplishment of having Cognia recognize the Diocese of Jackson as a System of Distinction has been an overwhelming and rare experience,” Luke said. “However, in the everyday realm of the work, I am most proud of being able to interact with so many students, teachers and principals.”

Joni House, executive director of Catholic Education, said the formal presentation was an opportunity to celebrate the collective efforts of Catholic school communities across the diocese.

“The recognition as a Cognia System of Distinction affirms the hard work of our schools,” House said, “and it challenges us to sustain and grow that culture of continuous improvement so Catholic education in our diocese remains strong and vibrant.”

Stinson concluded by congratulating the Diocese of Jackson on behalf of Cognia’s leadership, calling the distinction an extraordinary accomplishment and a reflection of the diocese’s commitment to faith-centered education and continuous growth.

Pope sets Jubilee to mark 800th year since St. Francis’ death; saint’s body to be displayed

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(CNS) – Pope Leo XIV has proclaimed a special Jubilee Year coinciding with the 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis of Assisi.

The Apostolic Penitentiary, a Vatican tribunal that deals with matters of conscience, issued a decree published by the Franciscan Friars Jan. 10, declaring a yearlong celebration in honor of the Poverello, or the Little Poor One.

According to the decree, Pope Leo has established that from Jan. 10, following the closing of the church’s Jubilee Year, until Jan. 10, 2027, a special Year of St. Francis may be proclaimed, in which every Christian, “following the example of the Saint of Assisi, may himself become a model of holiness of life and a constant witness of peace.”

Noting previous jubilee celebrations related to the works of St. Francis – such as the eighth centenary commemorations of the first Nativity scene, as well as his composition of the “Canticle of the Creatures” and his receiving of the stigmata – the decree stated that “2026 will mark the culmination and fulfillment of all previous celebrations.”

MADISON – The sun shines on a statue of St. Francis of Assisi at Cajun Fest at St. Francis of Assisi parish in 2021. Pope Leo XIV has proclaimed a special Jubilee Year coinsiding with the 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis. (Photo from archives)

In its decree, the Apostolic Penitentiary also announced that plenary indulgences will be granted to Catholics “under the usual conditions (sacramental confession, Eucharistic communion and prayer for the intentions of the Holy Father), which can also be applied in the form of suffrage for the souls in Purgatory.”

The indulgence will be granted to those who participate in a pilgrimage “to any Franciscan conventual church, or place of worship in any part of the world named after St. Francis or connected to him for any reason,” it stated.

The sick, the elderly and caretakers unable to leave their homes can also obtain a plenary indulgence under the usual conditions “if they join spiritually in the Jubilee celebrations of the Year of St. Francis, offering their prayers to the Merciful God, the pains or sufferings of one’s life.”

In a statement announcing the decree’s promulgation, the Franciscan Friars invited Catholics to take part in the Jubilee celebrations and hope that St. Francis’ example would inspire participants “to live with authentic Christian charity towards our neighbor and with sincere longings for concord and peace among peoples.”

May this year of St. Francis “be for each one of us a providential occasion for sanctification and evangelical witness in the contemporary world, for the glory of God and the good of the whole Church,” the statement read.

In a Jan. 10 letter to the ministers general of the Conference of the Franciscan Family, Pope Leo said St. Francis’ message of peace was needed now more than ever.

“In this age, marked by so many seemingly interminable wars, by internal and social divisions that create mistrust and fear, he continues to speak. Not because he offers technical solutions, but because his life points to the authentic source of peace,” the pope wrote.

That peace, the pope added, “is not limited to the relations between human beings,” but extends to “the entire family of Creation.”

“This insight resonates with particular urgency in our time, when our common home is threatened and cries out under exploitation,” he wrote. “Peace with God, peace among human beings, and with creation are inseparable dimensions of a single call to universal reconciliation.”

Pope Leo concluded his letter with a prayer to St. Francis, asking the saint’s intercession “to give us the courage to build bridges where the world raises up boundaries.”

“In this time afflicted by conflict and division, intercede for us so that we may become peacemakers: unarmed and disarming witnesses of the peace that comes from Christ,” the pope wrote.

The pope’s letter was read during a Jan. 10 celebration marking the start of the Franciscan Jubilee Year at the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels in Assisi, which houses the Chapel of the Transit, marking the site where St. Francis died.

Archbishop Domenico Sorrentino of Assisi, who was present at the ceremony, said the start of the centenary celebration was “an explosion of true joy” that comes from the heart and “from the commitment of each one of us to rediscover Francis in all his dimensions.”

“The wish I make to everyone and to the entire Church is to rediscover this saint of ours, to rediscover Jesus, the only source of joy and peace,” the bishop said.

Among the notable events taking place in Assisi during the Franciscan Jubilee Year will be the first public display of St. Francis’ body.

In October, the Basilica of St. Francis announced that Pope Leo had granted permission to display the saint’s body from Feb. 22 to March 26.

According to the basilica’s website for the historic event, as of December, some 250,000 pilgrims have so far registered for the veneration of St. Francis’ remains.

The overwhelming number of people coming for the public display, the basilica said, is a testament to “the universality of the message of the Saint of Assisi and the timeless appeal of his figure.”

A free but mandatory online reservation system has been set up on the centenary website, available in both Italian and English.

(Junno Arocho Esteves is an international correspondent for OSV News. Follow him on X @jae_journalist.)