Gulf Pine Catholic

24 Gulf Pine Catholic • June 21, 2024 Father Ken Ramon-Landry bids Sacred Heart in Hattiesburg farewell upon retirement BY DAVID TISDALE Father Ken-Ramon Landry said goodbye to Sacred Heart Parish in Hattiesburg recently, retiring from the priesthood after serving as pastor at the historic Hub City church for 18 years. But he’s not hanging up his vestments for good. In his homily and closing remarks at the Saturday, June 1 vigil Mass, one of his farewell Masses during the weekend of June 1-2, Father Ramon- Landry reflected on the memories he and the church together will carry forward -- the baptisms, weddings, Confirmations, First Communions, funerals, the challenges brought by Covid-19 and witnessing the growth of its schools, among so many other significant moments over the last nearly two decades. “I have been greatly blessed with the fellowship we have shared here,” he noted. “At the end of the day, we are, together, the Body of Christ.” He further expressed gratitude to all in attendance for his tenure with the church and urged Sacred Heart parishioners to continue the church’s century-plus legacy of being ambassa- dors for Christ in the Hattiesburg com- munity. “I love you, Sacred Heart,” Fr. Ramon-Landry concluded. “It has been an honor and a privilege to be a part of this church’s noble history. Amen.” Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, and raised in Biloxi, Father Ramon-Landry joined Sacred Heart in 2006 after a stint as pastor at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Lumberton and St. Joseph’s in Poplarville. His other stops in the diocese included Laurel, Waynesboro, Ocean Springs, Bay St. Louis, and Pass Christian, serving in a variety of roles through- out his time with the Diocese of Biloxi. He also oversaw operations at Sacred Heart’s growing school system, which has fast become rated as one of the best in the state during his tenure and whose enrollment continues to climb. “It’s been a good 18 years,” Father Ramon-Landy said when asked to fur- ther reflect on his time at the church. “Goodbyes aren’t always easy, but I won’t be too far away.” Literally, just a few blocks from Sacred Heart, Father Ramon-Landry will segue into the role of pastor of Holy Rosary Catholic Church, located on Dabbs Street, where he has shepherded its flock along with his duties at Sacred Heart since the passing of Father William “Bill” Vollor in 2011. Sacred Heart parishioners gathered in the Sacred Heart School Gymnasium across the street from the church follow- ing Mass for a reception for Father Ramon-Landry, greeting him with con- gratulations, thanks, hugs, a smattering of tears here and there, and multiple requests for photos as they thanked him for his service. “He’s worked so hard and has been a real blessing to Sacred Heart, making so many wonderful things come about for our church during his time here,” Cherice Nobles said. Dave Ware also expressed gratitude for Father Ramon-Landry’s stewardship of the church and schools. “He’s been a great leader and has done a wonderful job of keeping our finances healthy over the years.” “I will miss his wonderful homilies,” Martha Moore said. ‘We will all miss him terribly.” Father Tomasz Powroznik, parochial vicar for Sacred Heart, praised Father Ramon-Landy for his “commitment to our community, which has been truly inspiring.” “His presence here has touched count- less lives, including my own,” Father Powroznik continued. “Working along- side him these last years has been an honor and a privilege. His wisdom, com- passion, and unwavering faith have been a guiding light for all of us. I have learned so much from his example and am deeply thankful for the support and camaraderie he has shared with me. “As he embarks on this new chapter in his life, we wish him joy, peace, and fulfillment, that this next phase in his journey be as enriching and rewarding as all these years to this point that he has devoted to serving others.” Deacon Warren Goff says he’s grateful for the opportunity he’s had to be a part of Father Ramon- Landry’s time at Sacred Heart. “He’s been a great support to me in my work here, and a blessing to the lives of so many,” Deacon Goff further noted. “He’s made a wonderful contri- bution to the life of Sacred Heart Church, and it shows.” Back Father Ken Ramon-Landry, right, gets a hug from Sacred Heart ParishionerMargo Lipka during a retirement reception for Father Ramon- Landry Saturday, June 1. Photo/David Tisdale