Gulf Pine Catholic

Gulf Pine Catholic • August 20, 2021 7 The archbishop observed that at this ordination we carry on the practices of the early Church described in the New Testament: the apostles chose men to be their co-workers, prayed over them, laid hands on them, and invoked the Holy Spirit. He explained that before the laying on of hands, Deacon Spence would prostrate himself on the floor, symbolizing his total self-surrender and self-emptying to God. The congregation will join him in praying that God accept all that he is. The archbishop then explained the threefold ministry of priests: teaching, pray- ing, and shepherding. As a teacher and preacher he gives direction to people’s lives -- inviting, challenging, convincing them, doing everything possible to reach peo- ple’s hearts. He prays and celebrates the sacraments always in Christ’s name. As a shepherd he seeks the lost, practicing patience and extending mercy. Archbishop Aymond urged Father Spence to make Christ the center of his life, to seek forgiveness in sacramental confession so as to be able to offer it to penitents, and to live out his Salesian vows. Finally, he encouraged the congregation to pray that Father Spence will be like Jesus in his service to God’s people, after the example also of St. John Bosco. Father Spence celebrated a Mass of Thanksgiving (his “first Mass”) at Holy Family Church in Pass Christian on August 1. Father Craig Spence om page 1 Father Tommy Conway to lead 11-day pilgrimage to Germany, Italy Itinerary includes historic Oberammergau Passion Play and Vatican Father Tommy Conway, pastor of St. Fabian Parish in Hattiesburg, will lead a pilgrimage to Germany and Italy September 7-17, 2022. Among the many highlights of this trip is the Oberammergau Passion Play, which only takes place every ten years. The History of the World Famous Oberammergau Passion Play In the 17th century, the black plague ravaged Europe killing one third of its population. The people of Oberammergau prayed to be spared, vowing that every decade they would present a play depicting the Passion of Jesus Christ. Generation after generation of villagers have kept the vow since 1634. The story unravels before your eyes om His triumphal entry into Jerusalem to His resurrec- tion. The roles have been passed on om father to son, mother to daughter, strictly adhering to the traditions of the forefathers. This is an event to behold, so do not miss it, and join Father Tommy Conway and The Gulf Pine Catholic on this REGINA TOURS Pilgrimage celebrating its fourth season at Oberammergau. “I have always wanted to see the passion play in person,” said Father Conway. “This really is a . Tommy Conway once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I hope you will join me for this very special commemoration of the Lord’s suffering, death and resurrection.” Tour of Italy After departing Germany, the tour will con- tinue to Italy with stops in Bolzano, Padua, Venice, Florence, Assisi and Rome. The Vatican, and its glorious art treasures, will be a highlight of the stay in Rome. View the vast collection of art and antiquities in the Vatican Museums. Your guide will lead you to the Sistine Chapel through a portion of these treasures such as the Candelabra Gallery where you can admire the Greek-Roman art, the tapestries with the most extraordinary Flemish works and the map gal- lery with exceptional geographical details. Visit the Sistine Chapel, where Michelangelo’s ceil- ing esco depicting the history of the creation and the Last Judgement overlooks Italian art master- pieces. Visit St. Peter’s Basilica, surrounding the world’s largest church. While Bernini designed mostofworks foundinthechurch,Michelangelo’s Pietà is also housed here. These are just some of the highlights of the trip, which is being sponsored by the Gulf Pine Catholic . Cost is $5,498 om New Orleans (based on double occupancy). For more information, contact Angelica Villegas -- Regina Tours 1-800-CATHOLIC ext. 250 avillegas@groupist.com Terrance Dickson - editor, Gulf Pine Catholic Catholic Diocese of Biloxi (228) 702-2126 • tdickson@biloxidiocese.org Christina Bongolan -- Worldwide Discount Travel Club • (305) 937-7422 cbongolan@worldwidediscounttravelclub.com