Gulf Pine Catholic

Gulf Pine Catholic • July 19, 2024 3 Gulf Pine Catholic (ISSN No. 0746-3804) July 19, 2024 Volume 41, Issue 24 The GULF PINE CATHOLIC , published every other week, is an official publication of the Catholic Diocese of Biloxi. Editorial offices are located at 1790 Popps Ferry Road, Biloxi, MS 39532. Periodical postage paid at Gulfport, MS. —POSTMASTER— Send address changes to: The GULF PINE CATHOLIC 1790 Popps Ferry Road Biloxi, MS 39532 —PUBLISHER— Most Rev. Louis F. Kihneman —EDITOR— Terry Dickson —PRODUCTION/ ADVERTISING — Shirley M c Cusker —BILLING — Aimee M c Lendon —CIRCULATION— Robin Peeler —PHOTOGRAPHY— Juliana Skelton —OFFICEHOURS— 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday - Friday —PHONE NUMBERS— Editor: 228-702-2126 Production/Advertising: 228-702-2109 Billing: 228-702-2127 Circulation: 228-702-2100 Photography: 228-201-2132 —EMAIL— News: tdickson@biloxidiocese.org Production / Advertising: smccusker@biloxidiocese.org Billing: amclendon@biloxidiocese.org Circulation: rpeeler@biloxidiocese.org Photography: jskelton@biloxidiocese.org —OFFICEAND MAILINGADDRESS — 1790 Popps Ferry Road Biloxi, MS 39532 —WEBSITE— www.gulfpinecatholic.com —SUBSCRIPTIONS — Subscription rate is $18 per year. When changing address, renewing or inquiring about a subscription, customer should include a recent address label with old address and new address. Allow three weeks for changes of address. —DEADLINES forAUG. 2— News copy and photos: Due JULY 23, 4 p.m. Advertising: Completed Ad and/or copy due JULY 23, 10 a.m. Bishop Kihneman’s Schedule July 17-21 National Eucharistic Congress, Indianapolis, IN July 28 Mass & Installation of Pastor, Father Sergio Balderas, Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, Hattiesburg, 10:30 a.m. Aug. 1 Opening of Schools Mass, Nativity BVM Cathedral, Biloxi, 10 a.m. BY BISHOP LOUIS F. KIHNEMAN III Bishop of the Diocese of Biloxi “Which of these three, in your opin- ion, was neighbor to the robbers’ vic- tim?” He answered, “The one who treated him with mercy.” Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.” (Luke 10:36). The Parable of the Good Samaritan teaches us profound lessons about compassion and loving our neighbor as ourselves. In this parable, Jesus chal- lenges us to transcend social barriers and extend care to those in need, regardless of their background or cir- cumstance. The parable begins with a man who was beaten, robbed, and left half-dead on the side of the road. Both a priest and a Levite (both would have been expected to be models of “neighbor” to the victim) “passed by on the opposite side” without helping, but it was the despised Samaritan who showed mercy. He bandaged the man’s wounds, took him to an inn, and paid for his care. Jesus then asks us, “Which of these three, do you think, proved neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?” (Luke 10:36). This question cuts to the heart of our Christian mission, especially when consid- ering the issue of homelessness. Today, countless individuals find themselves without a place to call home, vulnerable to the harsh realities of life on the streets. The call of the Good Samaritan compels us to take action, to see the dignity of each per- son, and to respond with concrete acts of Bishop Kihneman Mercy Moments love and solidarity. Establishing the Mercy Cross Center (MCC) in Biloxi was a response to that call, and it is already bearing much fruit. The staff and volunteers at MCC are work- ing with our homeless neighbors to help them find alternatives to their current situ- ation. I refer to these encounters as “Mercy Moments” because they show God’s love and mercy at work. For example, I share the story of a senior man who has lived on the streets for some time. He is a veteran and was recent- ly diagnosed with cancer. His treatments were scheduled and MCC was working to make him comfortable while he is going through his treatments. The MCC staff noticed he was having medical issues and asked if he wanted to go to the hospital. He chose to call his daughter who he has not spoken to for many years. She had no idea he was homeless. She came and picked him up and took him to the hospital where he was given a short amount of time to live. He called several days later to let MCC know what was going on with him. He said that he was grateful to have rekindled a relationship with his daughter after so much time and would be staying with her. He also shared that he had not talked to God in some time, but the kindness that he was shown over the past few weeks at MCC made him believe that God still loved him and that he would get to meet God soon. There is also the story of a senior woman who has lived on the streets for many years. A very independent woman, she did not trust easy but warmed up to MCC staff. Most of the guests of MCC looked out for her. One morning, other guests came into the center stating that she was not able to walk. They helped her inside, and MCC staff noticed she was not as spry as she normally was, had some noticeable issues that she did not nor- mally have, and called for medical assistance. A local medical facility dismissed her twice with a diagnosis of dehydration. Center staff and guests knew that something more was going on with her. She agreed to go to another medical facility. That facility treated her for the serious conditions that she has, and she was discharged to a nursing facility where she can live as independently as she is able. She is doing well and has shared that she is so thankful for where she is. These are just a couple of the now 26 people that have been helped to move on from homelessness since the Mercy Cross Center opened. We continue to share similar success stories in the pages of the Gulf Pine Catholic and on our diocesan website and social media outlets. Throughout history, numerous saints have exemplified lives of charity and ser- vice towards the homeless. St. Teresa of Calcutta, known for her work among the poorest of the poor, once said, “The big- gest disease today is not leprosy or tuber- culosis, but rather the feeling of being unwanted.” Her life reminds us that every person, regardless of their circumstances, deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. Similarly, St. Vincent de Paul dedicated his life to serving the marginalized and the poor. He founded religious communities and organizations that provided food, shel- ter, and support to those in need. His lega- cy inspires us to actively seek ways to alleviate the suffering of our brothers and sisters who are homeless. In recent times, our Holy Fathers have also spoken passionately about the plight of the homeless. Pope Francis has repeat- edly emphasized the need for a “culture of encounter,” where we actively reach out to those on the margins of society. He chal- lenges us to break down the barriers that isolate individuals and prevent them from fully participating in society. SEE BISHOP’S COLUMN, PAGE 11