10 Gulf Pine Catholic • January 16, 2026 No matter what the explanation, surrounding myths or symbolism of a falling star; I will treasure the experience and encounter as I pocket it deep inside for safe keeping for rainy days ahead, But, most of all, that falling star reminds me of the depths and potential of love given and love received; a reminder of that Great Lover who constantly populated our lives with human example of love that falls into our lives, to be pocket and treasured as a gift from Love itself for the rest of our lives. Father Michael Tracey is retired and lives in Ireland. He can be contacted by email at mtracey1@bellsouth.net. His website is www. michaeltracey.net ACROSS THE POND From page 9 “Let us ask ourselves: is there life in our church? Is there space for something new to be born? Do we love and proclaim a God who sets us on a journey?” Pope Leo asked. “Fear does indeed blind us. Conversely, the joy of the Gospel liberates us. It makes us prudent, yes, but also bold, attentive and creative; it beckons us along ways that are different from those already traveled,” he said. “It is wonderful to become pilgrims of hope,” who journey together and are amazed by God’s faithfulness, he said. “If we do not reduce our churches to monuments, if our communities are homes, if we stand united and resist the flattery and seduction of those in power, then we will be the generation of a new dawn,” he said. In Jesus, “we will contemplate and serve an extraordinary humanity, transformed not by the delusions of the all-powerful, but by God who became flesh out of love.” Outside on a cold, rainy winter morning, St. Peter’s Square was filled with thousands of people watching the Mass on big screens and awaiting the pope to recite the Angelus at noon. Hundreds of people dressed in traditional and festive costumes took part in an annual folkloric Epiphany procession along the main boulevard in front of the basilica. Marching bands and people in Renaissance costumes paraded up the street behind the Three Kings on horseback. Before reciting the Angelus from the balcony of the basilica’s loggia, the pope prayed that God’s words “come to fulfillment in us, may strangers and enemies become brothers and sisters.” “In the place of inequality, may there be fairness, and may the industry of war be replaced by the craft of peace,” he said. “As weavers of hope, let us journey together toward the future by another road.” POPE MASS DOOR EPIPHANY From page 1 In the evaluation of a good early life in marriage, one of the obstacles for me was my in-laws. Though I was and still am deeply in love with my wife, I was less than excited about my wife’s family. I was told that when you marry the wife, you marry her family, and my response was, I walked down the aisle with ONE person. But obviously I was shortsighted in my view and had to rethink my perspective. The scripture that got me on the right track with my in-laws started with the book of Ruth. The book of Ruth describes one of the most beautiful and selfless acts of love between a daughter-in-law and a mother-in-law. As Ruth’s first marriage ended with the death of her beloved husband, her mother-in-law, Naomi, encouraged Ruth to return to her homeland where she knew Ruth would once again be readily received. However, Ruth’s first concern was both her promise of commitment and obligation to that of her elderly mother-in-law. Ruth said, “Do not ask me to abandon or forsake you! For wherever you go I will go, wherever you lodge I will lodge, your people shall be my people, and your God my God. Wherever you die I will die, and there be buried. May the Lord do so and so to me, and more besides, if aught but death separates me from you!” (Ruth 1:16-17) In dangerous and unknown circumstances, Ruth clung to Naomi. The focus of this love for one another was as enriching for Ruth as it was to Naomi. Brothers and Sisters, when you decide to enter the Sacrament of Matrimony this means you have now made a choice to extend and accept your spouse’s family as you own. When this happens, it can be very hard for some parents to let go of their children. It’s tough for them to accept the fact that another person is now going to love, care for and nurture the person they raised and unconditionally loved since birth. Suddenly someone “new” has taken their place and the emotions can be bittersweet. Just as Naomi was understanding in the marriage of her son to Ruth, so too must today’s families keep in mind that every newlywed brings with them years of learned behaviors, habits and traditions that may be quite different than their own. For this new relationship to work, both the newlyweds and their families must recognize, from the beginning that all share the responsibilities for adjustment, understanding and acceptance. It is wonderful how many couples and families are widely open to each other and are blessings to each other’s lives. Extending families can mean twice the number of people with which to love and share your life. This is a most exciting and wonderful time as two families and two individuals come together to share their lives. New friendships, acquaintances and feelings are formed between people who, had it not been for this marriage, may never have known each other. So, as your two families interact, make sure that respect, sharing and courtesy are extended among all members. Just as Naomi recognized the need for her son and daughter-in-law to stand strong together so today’s mother-in-law and father-in-law also must understand. In honoring God’s will, their newly married son or daughter’s first commitment is now to his or her spouse. The bible tells us, “For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother and be joined to his wife” (Ephesians5:31). As a couple, it is important to protect the boundaries of your own family. Compromise and communicate effectively with your spouse. Always put YOUR marriage first and stand together. May God Bless you and your marriages. (Info from Catholic Couples Bible, “The Book of Ruth”, Catechism of the Catholic Church 2218) Deacon Justin Mitchell is the Director of Marriage and Family Life for the Diocese of Biloxi. Marriage & Family Life Mitchell In-laws -- Your new family” Prayer for Vocations God our Father, We thank you for calling men and women to serve in Your Son’s Kingdom as priests, deacons, and consecrated persons. Send your Holy Spirit to help others to respond generously and courageously to Your call. May our community of faith support vocations of sacrificial love in our youth and young adults. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen
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