Gulf Pine Catholic

Gulf Pine Catholic • January 3, 2025 3 Gulf Pine Catholic (ISSN No. 0746-3804) January 3, 2025 Volume 42, Issue 9 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 — Shirley McCusker —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: 228-702-2109 Circulation: 228-702-2100 Photography: 228-201-2132 —EMAIL— News: tdickson@biloxidiocese.org Production / Advertising Billing: smccusker@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 for JAN. 24— News copy and photos: Due JAN. 14, 4 p.m. Advertising: Completed Ad and/or copy due JAN. 14, 10 a.m. Jan. 5-9 Region V Bishops’ Retreat, Archdiocese of New Orleans Retreat Center Jan. 10 Mass & School Visit, Holy Trinity Elementary, Our Lady of the Gulf, Bay St. Louis, 8:15 a.m. Jan. 14 Mass & School Visit, St. Stanislaus College, Our Lady of the Gulf, Bay St. Louis, 8:30 a.m. Jan. 17 Mass & School Visit, St. Alphonsus Elementary, Ocean Springs, 8:15 a.m. Jan. 19 Mass & Rosary Rally/Walk for Life, Nativity BVM Cathedral to Lighthouse Park, Biloxi, 2 p.m. BY BISHOP LOUIS F. KIHNEMAN III Bishop of the Diocese of Biloxi Everything, even sweeping, scraping vegetables, weeding a garden, and waiting on the sick could be a prayer, if it were offered to God.” St. Martin de Porres St. Martin de Porres, a 16th-century Dominican lay brother, brought hope to those around him through his deep com- passion, humility, and tireless service to the marginalized. Born in Lima, Peru, to a freed Black woman and a Spanish noble- man, he faced social discrimination due to his poverty, race, and illegitimacy but rose above it, dedicating his life to the care of the poor, sick, and oppressed. Despite his humble position as a lay brother, Martin’s work as a healer, caregiv- er, and advocate for social justice made a profound impact. His ability to perform miraculous healings and his loving care for those afflicted with diseases like leprosy and plague gave people a sense of relief and hope in a time when such conditions were often met with fear and abandon- ment. Martin’s deep spirituality and love for all of God’s creation extended beyond human beings; he is also remembered for his gentle treatment of animals and his work in alleviating suffering in every form. Whether nursing sick children, comforting the dying, or offering food to the hungry, his simple yet profound acts of kindness radiated hope, reminding people that they were seen, loved, and worthy of care. Bishop Kihneman We are called to be ‘tangible signs of hope’ to everyone we meet St. Martin de Porres’ life was a living testament to the power of love in action, demonstrating that even the most humble among us can be instruments of great transformation. Through his example, he inspired countless individuals to live with more compassion and to see the inherent dignity in every person, regardless of their social standing. In our diocesan pastoral center chapel, next to the tabernacle, is a statue of St. Martin de Porres, who is a patron saint of the Diocese of Biloxi. He is holding a bas- ket of bread, which symbolizes his daily mission to provide for his brothers and sisters in need. St. Martin de Porres is also the patron saint of our Mercy Cross Center for the homeless in Biloxi, which opened in May 2024 and has brought so much comfort and hope to those whose lives have been touched by this powerful ministry. Pope Francis challenges us in a very real way during the upcoming Jubilee Year, the Year of Hope , “to be tangible signs of hope for those of our brothers and sisters who experience hardships of any kind.” (Spes Non Confundit 10) . I see that happening in a very special way at our Mercy Cross Center, and there are many ways we can bring hope to others that we encounter. Often, we feel the need to “fix” other people’s problems, but some- times the best thing we can do is simply listen and be present to others in their struggles. People often feel isolated and hopeless when they are not heard. By offering a compassionate ear, we make them feel valued, understood, and support- ed. Another way to bring hope is by encouraging others in their faith and reminding them of the presence and love of God, especially in times of difficulty. Sharing words of Scripture, praying with others, sharing how God has changed our lives, and offering spiritual companionship can be sources of profound comfort. One of the ways we are helping people to do this is through Ananias Training, which forms people in the ministry of spiritual accompaniment. (For more information, see our website or contact Deacon Richard Smith, Director of Pastoral Services at our Pastoral Center.) St. Therese of Lisieux, known as the “Little Flower,” spread hope through her simple yet profound spirituality. Her “little way” of doing small acts with great love inspired countless individuals to trust in God’s providence, even in life’s struggles. “Miss no single opportunity of making some small sacrifice, here by a smiling look, there by a kindly word; always doing the smallest right and doing it all for love.” I will continue to draw on this theme of hope throughout the Jubilee Year. Let us pray that God will take us and form us into his instruments of hope during this Jubilee Year. SEE BISHOP’S SPANISH COLUMN, PAGE 4 Bishop Kihneman’s Schedule