Volume 43, Issue 11 www.gulfpinecatholic.com February 27, 2026 Gulf Pine Catholic Official Newspaper of the Diocese of Biloxi Servant of God Sister Thea Bowman’s path to canonization takes important step forward BY TERRY DICKSON Servant of God Thea Bowman’s journey to sainthood reached a major milestone recently as the diocesan phase of her canonization cause came to an end. Bishop Joseph Kopacz was principal celebrant and homilist of a Feb. 9 Mass at the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle in Jackson, which was followed by the closing session. Concelebrants included Archbishop Mark Rivituso and retired Archbishop Thomas Rodi of Mobile, AL, and Bishop Steven Raica and retired Bishop Robert Baker of Birmingham, AL, as well as priests from the Diocese of Jackson and neighboring dioceses. Sister Thea (1937–1990) was an African American Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration, educator, evangelist and dynamic witness to the Catholic faith. Born Bertha Elizabeth Bowman in Canton, MS, she converted to Catholicism at age nine and later joined the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration in 1953, becoming the only African American member of her community at the time. A gifted scholar, Sister Thea earned a doctorate in English from The Catholic University of America and became a passionate advocate for intercultural awareness, racial justice, and the full participation of African Americans in the Catholic Church. Known for her joyful spirit, powerful speaking voice, and commitment to integrating African American spiritual traditions into Catholic worship, she inspired audiences across the country -- even while battling cancer. In 2018, the Church formally opened her cause for canonization, giving her the title “Servant of God.” “Here we are seven years plus later to mark another sacred moment on the journey with this Mass of Thanksgiving to officially close the diocesan phase for the Cause,” Bishop Kopacz remarked during his homily. “In between, there was the joy over the creation of the documentary film that preserves her extraordinary story for all to view and cherish, and the forging of her bronze statue that stands in the foreground of our cathedral.” Bishop Kopacz was referring to the documentary “Going Home Like a Shooting Star: Thea Bowman’s Journey to Sainthood,” a 2022 film which was produced by Franciscan Sister Judith Ann Zielinski, who is based in Sylvania, OH. The bronze statue of Sister Thea, which Bishop Kopacz dedicated in 2024, was created by Mary Ott Davidson, a parishioner of St. Joseph Parish in Gulfport, MS. “The documentary film unfolds her inspiring story beyond the limits of the diocese, and the statue anchors her here at the heart of the diocese, like a Lady Liberty welcoming all people who cross the threshold of the Cathedral to know the freedom through faith in Jesus Christ,” Bishop Kopacz said, likening the stretch between the opening and closing Masses for Sister Thea’s cause to the creation story. “I think about the seven days of creation during which God brought all things into being while enjoying a day of rest at the end,” he continued. “There are many parallels with the process that we celebrate today, except for one major departure. The seventh year of this process was no day of rest at the beach. This was the final stretch of a marathon when runners are completing the race with Olympic effort. “Ten boxes of bound documentation, historical and theological, had to be properly organized for the flight to Rome, a massive labor of love. During the ceremony following the Mass we will thank personally all who made this possible. Afterwards, they will rest on the eighth day, the day of the resurrection.” Bishop Kopacz said Sister Thea was a gift to the Church from the moment she set foot in Holy Child School, and right up to the iconic moment when she addressed the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops at Seton Hall in 1989 toward the end of her life, a presentation available on YouTube. SEE SERVANT OF GOD SISTER THEA BOWMAN, PAGE 10 An official closing session of the diocesan phase of the canonization process for Servant of God Thea Bowman followed a Mass, where the cause’s leaders ceremoniously sealed several boxes containing the diocesan phase’s documents and findings. In all, ten boxes containing two sets of documents including more than 15,000 pages each, will be sent to the apostolic nunciature in Washington and then transferred to the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Causes of Saints, which will further investigate the cause. Pictured are Bishop Joseph Kopacz, of Jackson, who sealed the remaining two boxes. At right are Emanuele Spedicato, the Postulator of Sister Thea’s cause, who is based at the Gregorian University in Rome, and Sydney Paulson, Associate Archivist of the Franciscans of Perpetual Adoration, Sister Thea’s Religious Order. Photo/Terry Dickson
2 Gulf Pine Catholic • February 27, 2026 Diocese of Biloxi Bulletin Board DIOCESAN EVENTS Catholic Diocese of Biloxi Relic Collection: The Diocese of Biloxi has been given the tremendous blessing of over 1,600 relics of saints, one of the largest collections in the country. At present over 450 relics are on display in the Marian Chapel at Nativity BVM Cathedral. Another 250 will be switched out & displayed in May/ June. Viewing hours are 45 minutes. after the 7 a.m. & 9 a.m. Sunday Masses, during the 6:30 a.m. and 8 a.m. daily Masses Monday-Friday & the 8 a.m. Mass Saturday morning. (Refer to NativityBVMCathedral.org for updated viewing hours.) Group pilgrimages/tours can be arranged by contacting Colleen Kavanagh, ColleenKavanagh64@gmail.com or by calling Nativity BVM Cathedral’s office at (228) 374-1717. The saint’s lives inspire us & their relics are our spiritual treasures on earth! Is God calling you to more?: If you feel a nudge to grow deeper in your faith or lead more intentionally, the New Wine Program may be for you. This renewed diocesan formation experience invites both new participants & past graduates to be equipped as missionary disciples who walk with others toward Christ. The next cohort begins August 2026; applications are open through May 31. Learn more and apply at: www.biloxidiocese.org/newwine. For more information, see page 9. Lepoma/Landry/Sacred Heart St. Joseph Altar: Lepoma/Landry/Sacred Heart St. Joseph Altar March 19, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Father Dominic Pham will bless the altar at 9:30 a.m. The home of Lee & Jackie Landry. Address: 11318 Magnolia St., D’Iberville. For more information call Jackie Landry (228) 918-3820. PARISH EVENTS Our Lady of Fatima Parish Mission Series -- From Ashes to Renewal: Encountering Christ and His Church: Join us on Wed.y evenings, March 4-April 1, for a parish mission focused on spiritual renewal & a deeper encounter with Christ & His Church. Each evening Mass 6 p.m., followed by a special presentation given by different priest or deacon each week. Come grow in faith, reflection, & community during this meaningful Lenten journey. Hour of Grace: Hour of Grace is a time of encounter with our Lord Jesus Christ present to us in the most Holy Sacrament of the altar; an opportunity to lift our voices & hearts to Christ in worship as He pours His graces upon us. This Hour of Grace will be on Thurs., March 5, 6 p.m. at Nativity Cathedral located at 870 Howard Avenue, Biloxi,. Come & be renewed by the Lord! St. Joseph Altar: Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church will be hosting a St. Joseph Altar in honor of St. Joseph’s Day on March 19, 9062 Kiln-Delisle Rd. Pass Christian. This beautiful tradition, deeply rooted in faith & community is a meaningful way for us to celebrate the life & example of St. Joseph, the patron saint of workers & families. The altar will be on March 19, 10 a.m.- 7 p.m. The altar will be blessed at 10:30 a.m. & lunch will be served 11 a.m.-1 p.m. For information & donations please email toniandjoe@ hotmail.com. Nativity BVM St. Joseph’s Altar & Lunch: The St. Joseph’s Altar Society is hosting its tenth annual St. Joseph’s Altar & Spaghetti lunch. Please join us as we celebrate the Feast of St. Joseph on Thurs., March 19, at Nativity BVM Cathedral - Sacred Heart Center. Doors will open to view the altar at 10 a.m. The altar will be blessed at 11:30 & a spaghetti lunch will be served at noon. The altar will remain open for viewing until 3 p.m. This event is free and open to the public. Donations are welcome. Holy Infant of Good Health Devotion: Want to know more about Jesus? Come with childlike faith as we share about the Holy Infant of Good Health Devotion, Sat., March 21, 10:00 a.m., St. Ann Church, 5858 Lower Bay Rd., Bay St Louis. The Missionaries of the Holy Infant Jesus of Good Health Sisters will share the spirituality of the Devotion, along with the Devotion’s history & the presence of the Holy Infant’s Sanctuary. It is the only Diocesan Shrine in the U.S honoring the Holy Infant of Good Health. For more info, contact, Yvonne Garcia (228) 332-3622. Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Cathedral Lenten Concert Service: The Music & Fine Arts Ministry of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Cathedral will present a special liturgical concert service -- under the direction of Terry Maddox -- entitled “Lenten Lessons and Reflections” on Sun., March 22, 4 p.m. This deeply spiritual program will feature a performance reflecting on the depth & meaning of the journey of the events of Holy Week. This program will be offered by the combined community choirs of Mobile Vocal Arts of Mobile, AL, and the Cathedral’s Choral Society “Gloria in Excelsis,” along with the Honor Children’s Choir of the Cathedral Elementary School & accompanied by a chamber orchestra. The program is free & the public is cordially invited to attend. For further info, contact Terry D. Maddox, Artistic Director at (251) 406-1454 &/or terrydalemaddox@ gmail.com. Grace & Grits: Step into a space of renewal, strength, and sisterhood. You are invited to experience Grace & Grits: Reclaiming your power through faith women’s day event April 11, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. at Our Mother of Mercy Catholic Church, 216 Saucier Ave., Pass Christian. Breakfast and lunch will be served. Attendance is open to ladies ages 14 and up, participants under 18 must be accompanied by adult. To register, contact Bea Mitchell (901) 857-5851 or email Ch a n t e l n o r ma n d@gma i l . c om . Registration is free but donation will be appreciated. Proceeds go to St. Catherines Catholic Church in Indonesia. SCHOOL EVENTS New applications & re-enrollment open: St. Patrick Catholic High School is now accepting new student applications and re-enrollment for current families! Apply now to secure your spot for the upcoming school year at St. Patrick before space fills up! Visit stpatrickhighschool.net/apply to apply today. Summer Camps: Register today for St. Patrick Catholic High School’s Summer Camps. Led, organized, & delivered by their award-winning faculty, coaches, & staff, the summer camps continue their mission even outside of the traditional academic year. For more info, go to secure.qgiv. com/ for / spsummercamps / event / spsummercamps2026/. Remember to turn your clocks forward 1 hour on Sunday, March 8.
Gulf Pine Catholic • February 27, 2026 3 Bishop Kihneman’s Schedule Gulf Pine Catholic (ISSN No. 0746-3804) February 27, 2026 Volume 43, Issue 11 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 McCusker —BILLING — Shirley McCusker —CIRCULATION— Robin Peeler —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 —EMAIL— News: tdickson@biloxidiocese.org Production / Advertising: smccusker@biloxidiocese.org Billing: smccusker@biloxidiocese.org Circulation: rpeeler@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 MARCH 13— News copy and photos: Due MARCH 3, 4 p.m. Advertising: Completed Ad and/or copy due MARCH 3 10 a.m. Feb. 28 Mass & TET Celebration, Vietnamese Martyrs Parish, Biloxi, 4 p.m. Mar. 1 Rite of Election, St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, Long Beach, 2 p.m. Mar. 5 Priests Lenten Day of Reflection, St. Francis Xavier Parish, Wiggins, 9:30 a.m. Mar. 7 Confirmation, St. Michael Parish, Biloxi, 5 p.m. Mar. 11 Housing Board Meeting, 2nd Qtr, Pastoral Center, Biloxi, 3 p.m. Mar. 11 Confirmation, Sacred Heart Parish, Pascagoula, 6 p.m. Mar. 12 Seminary Board Meeting, St. Joseph Seminary, Covington Mar. 13 Diocesan Youth Conference, -15 Coast Coliseum, Biloxi Mar. 14 40th Ordination Anniversary, St. John the Evangelist Parish, Gulfport, 4 p.m. BY BISHOP LOUIS F. KIHNEMAN III Bishop of the Diocese of Biloxi The call I felt to travel again to the Holy Land was truly a call to renewal. I made my episcopal retreat in the Holy Land nine years ago, just before I was ordained your bishop. It was an opportunity to once again walk in the footsteps of the Lord and share in His life, death, Resurrection, and Ascension. I felt strongly that I needed to accept this invitation and to share with the group that accompanied me. It proved to be a very special trip. It also presented a powerful invitation for each of us pilgrims to grow in faith. We experienced many powerful moments of encounter, encountering His mercy, His healing, and His presence as we visited the places where Jesus ministered on earth. A pilgrimage is a physical journey that engages you mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. To have the opportunity to celebrate Mass and pray at the holy sites in Israel is always a blessing. Dispatches from the Holy Land We walked the Via Crucis (Way of the Cross) early in the early morning and were almost entirely by ourselves. It was a moment to remember the Passion of our Lord. As we did so, we carried that remembrance with us to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, where we celebrated Mass. It was a beautiful opportunity for the people to enter more fully into the death and Resurrection of Jesus. I have celebrated Mass there a couple of times before. However, this time we were able to take part in what is called the High Mass, which includes an organist and cantor. I was the principal celebrant, and entered the cave where Jesus was buried. We celebrated Mass on the place where Jesus’ body was laid, His tomb. As I celebrated Mass, I had a vivid image of Jesus rising from the dead. That image was an explosion of grace, an explosion of love, and an explosion of God’s peace for the whole world. For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him might not perish but might have eternal life (John 3:16). At the same time, praying the Mass for God to change the bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ, who had just risen from the dead, was a significant moment for me, one that I am still praying over. That moment, with the Holy Spirit lifting Jesus from the dead and changing the bread and wine into His Body and Blood, was united in a profound way. This is one of the great gifts we receive every time we celebrate the Eucharist, wherever we are! As we prayed the “Our Father” and the “Lamb of God,” and offered Holy Communion to the faithful, it became a powerful moment to know Jesus in His Passion, in His crucified Body, and especially in His Risen Body, giving Himself to each of us at the Holy Sepulcher. It was very moving, deeply spiritual, and a profound moment of faith, hope, and love. We crossed the Sea of Galilee by boat and reflected on the miracle of Jesus walking on the water. We celebrated Mass in the Church of the Beatitudes. There were so many moving and powerful moments throughout the pilgrimage. We celebrated Mass at Saint Peter’s house in Capernaum. The church is built directly over St. Peter’s house. The floor is made of glass, through which we could see the house where Jesus performed the miracle of healing Saint Peter’s mother-in-law. SEE BISHOP’S COLUMN, PAGE 7 Bishop Kihneman and Father Mike Austin concelebrate Mass in the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. At far right is Deacon Dick Henderson. Photo/Paula Spears
4 Gulf Pine Catholic • February 27, 2026 POR EL OBISPO LOUIS F. KIHNEMAN III Obispo de Biloxi El llamado que sentí para viajar nuevamente a la Tierra Santa fue, en verdad, un llamado a la renovación. Hice mi retiro episcopal en la Tierra Santa hace nueve años, justo antes de ser ordenado su obispo. Fue una oportunidad para caminar una vez más siguiendo los pasos del Señor y compartir Su vida, muerte, Resurrección y Ascensión. Sentí con fuerza que necesitaba aceptar esta invitación y compartirla con el grupo que me acompañaba. Resultó ser un viaje muy especial. También presentó una poderosa invitación para que cada uno de nosotros, como peregrinos, creciéramos en la fe. Experimentamos muchos momentos poderosos de encuentro, encontrando Su misericordia, Su sanación y Su presencia mientras visitábamos los lugares donde Jesús ministró en la tierra. Una peregrinación es un viaje físico que involucra la mente, las emociones y el espíritu. Tener la oportunidad de celebrar la Misa y orar en los lugares sagrados de Israel siempre es una bendición. Caminamos por la Vía Crucis muy temprano en la mañana, casi completamente solos. Fue un momento para recordar la Pasión de nuestro Señor. Al hacerlo, llevamos ese recuerdo con nosotros hasta la Iglesia del Santo Sepulcro, donde celebramos la Misa. Fue una hermosa oportunidad para que las personas entraran más plenamente en la muerte y Resurrección de Jesús. He celebrado la Misa allí un par de veces antes. Sin embargo, esta vez pudimos participar en lo que se llama la Misa Mayor, que incluye organista y cantor. Fui el celebrante principal y entré en la cueva donde Jesús fue sepultado. Celebramos la Misa en el lugar donde se colocó el cuerpo de Jesús, Su tumba. Mientras celebraba la Misa, tuve una imagen vívida de Jesús resucitando de entre los muertos. Esa imagen fue una explosión de gracia, una explosión de amor y una explosión de la paz de Dios para todo el mundo. Porque de tal manera amó Dios al mundo que dio a su Hijo unigénito, para que todo aquel que cree en Él no se pierda, sino que tenga vida eterna (Juan 3:16). Al mismo tiempo, orar la Misa para que Dios transforme el pan y el vino en el Cuerpo y la Sangre de Cristo, quien acababa de resucitar, fue un momento significativo para mí, uno sobre el que sigo orando. Ese momento, con el Espíritu Santo levantando a Jesús de entre los muertos y transformando el pan y el vino en Su Cuerpo y Sangre, estuvo unido de manera profunda. ¡Este es uno de los grandes regalos que recibimos cada vez que celebramos la Eucaristía, dondequiera que estemos! Mientras rezábamos el “Padre Nuestro” y el “Cordero de Dios” y ofrecíamos la Sagrada Comunión a los fieles, se convirtió en un momento poderoso para conocer a Jesús en Su Pasión, en Su Cuerpo crucificado y, especialmente, en Su Cuerpo Resucitado, entregándose a cada uno de nosotros en el Santo Sepulcro. Fue muy emotivo, profundamente espiritual y un momento de fe, esperanza y amor. Cruzamos el Mar de Galilea en bote y reflexionamos sobre el milagro de Jesús caminando sobre el agua. Celebramos la Misa en la Iglesia de las Bienaventuranzas. Hubo muchos momentos conmovedores y poderosos a lo largo de la peregrinación. Celebramos la Misa en la casa de San Pedro en Capernaum. La iglesia está construida directamente sobre la casa de San Pedro. El piso es de vidrio, a través del cual pudimos ver la casa donde Jesús realizó el milagro de sanar a la suegra de San Pedro. Al otro lado de la calle se encuentran las ruinas de la sinagoga donde Jesús predicó y enseñó. Allí realizamos un servicio de sanación para todo el grupo, lo que se convirtió en un momento muy especial para todos los peregrinos. Hay 81 milagros registrados de Jesús en Capernaum, y en este lugar sagrado pudimos presentar ante el Señor todo aquello en nuestras vidas que necesitaba sanación. Celebrar la Misa en la cueva donde nació Jesús en Belén también fue muy conmovedor. Tocar el sitio tradicional de Su nacimiento y celebrar el misterio de la Encarnación -- lo que Dios ha dado al mundo en Jesús, verdadero Dios y verdadero hombre, nacido de María -- fue algo muy especial. Recordamos otros milagros durante nuestros momentos de oración y en la Misa: la alimentación de los cinco mil, la sanación del ciego, la curación de la mujer con hemorragia y todos los momentos en que Jesús estuvo presente con Su pueblo, tocándolos, bendiciéndolos y levantándolos. Fue muy íntimo y personal. Todos estos momentos, al menos para mí, y creo que también para los demás peregrinos, fueron oportunidades para crecer en la fe y experimentar el amor de Dios de manera nueva y profunda. Viajé con el Padre Mike Austin, el Diácono Dick (y Shirley) Henderson, y el Diácono Mike (y Jan Mort). Tuvimos la oportunidad de compartir nuestra fe y ministrar a los 39 peregrinos mientras atravesaban sus propios momentos de fe. Fue una bendición para nosotros como peregrinos conocernos mejor y, más importante aún, conocer al Señor juntos, compartir Su amor, reconocer lo que tenemos en común, expresar nuestra fe de manera personal e invitar la sanación de Dios a nuestras vidas. Despachos desde la Tierra Santa El Padre Mike Austin y el Obispo Kihneman aparecen en la imagen en el Campo de los Pastores en Belén. Photo/Paula Spears
Gulf Pine Catholic • February 27, 2026 5 MORE THAN FUNERAL DIRECTORS We are Professional Remembrance Planners Explore the many unique ways to honor and celebrate lives. Call or visit Bradford O’Keefe today. BRADFORD-O’KEEFE FUNERAL HOMES Professional. Compassionate. Dignified. 228-374-5650 • Bradfordokeefe.com Opening Reflection -- Faith “After we jump into the darkness of the unknown, faith lets us believe we will either land on solid ground or be taught how to fall.” (Ann Lamott -- Traveling Mercies). While “safety first” is a good practice for drivers, investors, and comfort seekers, it can hinder our response to God’s call to greater faith. Go Where? Today’s first reading is God’s call of Abraham, accompanied by a promise. “I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you.” (Genesis 12:1-2). But this promise came with a catch. Abraham had to leave his comfortable life to follow where God would lead him. He took a leap into the unknown, trusting in God, who knows everything. Most of us instinctively avoid the unknown. However, when embraced with the intention of deepening our faith and trust in God, the unknown yields spiritual benefits. Our faith life can easily become complacent, treating prayer, Mass atten-dance, and church activities as routines rather than opportunities for radical faith transformation. This Lent, be willing to trust the Lord and His Church to lead you to spiritual experiences you can encounter. Read Genesis chapters 12 to 24 during Lent to discover what an exciting journey of trusting God looks like. Trust in God: Today’s Psalm response is appropriately, “Lord, let your mercy be upon us as we place our trust in you.” How strong is my trust in God? Holiness -- The new normal: Paul, writing to Timothy, acknowledges that loyalty to the gospel may involve hardship. William Barclay writes, “Through and in the gospel, the disciple of Jesus receives power, grace, salvation, holiness, purpose, and the gift of service.” Pope Leo XIV just issued a Lenten message, entitled “Listening and Fasting: Lent as a Time of Conversion.” Lent can bring us to a new level of holiness as we conform our lives to Christ and yield our “Yes” to His will. Transfiguration: The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke record Jesus announcing His passion, death, and resurrection to His disciples (Matthew 16:21-23). This news shocked them. They gave up everything to follow Jesus, yet His life on earth would soon end. As followers of Jesus, the disciples were bystanders, watching in awe as He preached and performed miracles. They relied on His leading, and without Him, they could do nothing until He empowered them. What did His announcement mean? What would become of His disciples? Would His death nullify their call to spread the good news? Even if they wanted to, could they hope to function without Jesus at their side? Jesus responded to these questions and more by taking Peter, James, and John to the Mount of Transfiguration (Matthew 17:19). Mountain experiences are significant in the scriptures. On the mountain, Moses received the Ten C omma n dme n t s , Elijah defeated 400 prophets of the pagan god Baal, and Jesus prayed to the Father. Peter, James, and John, representing the Apostles and the Church, were awestruck at seeing Jesus in His glory. They also heard the Father’s voice. It was so good that Peter wanted to stay forever. Jesus assured themHis presence with them (and us) would be forever, especially when we come down from the mountain and face life’s challenges. Everyone who persists in faith to the end is assured of God’s presence and power and shares in Jesus’ resurrection glory (Matthew 10:22). Jesus’ transfiguration and resurrection encourageuswhen trustingGod ismost difficult. The death of a loved one, losing a job, limited mobility, prolonged illness, divorce, financial strain, emotional imbalance, addiction; any of these could dramatically change our lives and make us wonder if God had abandoned or forgotten us. Not trusting that the Lord is with us and not persisting in faith could cause us to despair, become cynical, or see everything as hopeless. When stress and turmoil seek to rule, clinging to our unchanging God will provide the hope, comfort, and peace we need. Lent’s Opportunities: While we should always trust in the Lord, Lent offers a time-sensitive opportunity to focus on deeper spiritual growth by cultivating good habits and practices we might otherwise neglect. During Lent, Parish Missions are more frequent. Adoration and Stations of the Cross are readily available. Bible studies, retreats, Rosary, Divine Mercy Chaplet, and daily Mass are offered to strengthen our faith. Participate in as many of these as possible over the next few weeks. All spiritual growth should lead to a life of service through the committed use of our gifts and talents. Along with our concern about what to give up, there should be actions that we can give (forgiveness, love, patience, encouragement, joy). This Lent, leap into the unknown, and allow God to show you His glory. Deacon Ralph Torrelli is retired and lives in Tennessee. Visit his website: www. homilypearls.com. 1st Reading: Genesis 12:1-4a Psalm: 33:4-5, 18-19, 20, 22 2nd Reading: 2 Timothy 1:8b-10 Gospel: Matthew 17:1-9 Second Sunday of Lent Holy Lent Deacon Torrelli Sunday Scripture Commentaries
6 Gulf Pine Catholic • February 27, 2026 LENTEN ACTIVITIES Lisa Hendey looks back at her breast cancer surgery and radiation treatments two and a half years ago as having been physically arduous but spiritually beneficial. She came to realize that she was just “going through the motions” in her daily prayer life rather than connecting with Jesus on a deeper level, so she made some changes that reinvigorated her relationship with God and helped her to better see His presence in the people and world around her. Lisa has now written a devotional called, “Jesus Every Day, Jesus Every Way,” to help others who find themselves stagnating spiritually. Lisa has always found God at “Mass, in church, and in sacred places,” but her time in radiation oncology centers led her to “see the world differently,” she said during a “Christopher Closeup” interview. “Encountering Christ in the everyday sacred is so much more present in my life now than it was.” The process that helped Lisa do that is Lectio Divina, “which is Latin for ‘Divine Reading,’” she wrote. “[It] teaches seekers to come to know God’s word by praying over it methodically, purposefully, and slowly.” Lisa not only prayed over and meditated on a particular Scripture passage each morning, she printed out a copy of it and took it with her to reread during slow points in her day, like standing in line at the grocery store: “I found myself making those connections between what Jesus was saying to us…[with] those regular places of [my] life, in the front seat of my car, or at the hospital when I’m volunteering…Jesus is there with me.” Lisa shares numerous stories throughout her book, including one about a trip she took to Colombia to observe the work of Catholic Relief Services (CRS). Lisa and the team of journalists she was with met a young woman named Maria, who had benefited from CRS’ annual Lenten appeal, Operation Rice Bowl, which provided her with a scholarship for job training so she could contribute financially to her family. Lisa explained, “[Maria] and her family welcomed our traveling group of journalists and one priest, Father Rafael Capo…into their home for a beautiful breakfast one morning. That year, [Maria’s] picture was actually on the Rice Bowl box, so her story was being told, and we brought those materials.” Lisa noted that Maria’s family’s home was made mostly of tarps, but due to her job, they would soon be able to build a brick wall. This was a point of pride for Maria, who expressed genuine thanks for the help she received. “After the meal,” Lisa recalled, “Maria came up to Father Rafael with the Rice Bowl box. On the side of it, she had written their family’s names. And inside of it were a few simple coins. She gave it to [Father Rafael] and said, ‘Padre, we can’t give much, but we know what this has done for our family, and we want to help other families around the world just like ours. So please accept this gift. It’s not very much money, but it’s from the heart.’” “Father Rafael…is a big, burly, weightlifting priest,” Lisa continued. “He was moved to tears, and I was, too…[Father Rafael said], ‘I’ll never preach again on the parable of the widow’s mite without thinking of this moment, where someone is giving not from their excess, but from what they need in their day-to-day life -- and doing it with such love and such compassion for other people.’ You don’t see that and walk away not changed.” Tony Rossi is the radio host/producer for The Christophers. For a free copy of the Christopher News Note, GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP, write: The Christophers, 5 Hanover Square, New York, NY 10004; or e-mail: mail@christophers.org. Light One Candle Rossi Jesus every day, Jesus every way > Anointing of Sick > • Biloxi, Our Mother of Sorrows Parish: Tues., March 3, 8:30 a.m. • Kiln, Annunication Parish: 1st Fri. of every month > Lenten Meals > • Bay St. Louis, St. Rose de Lima Parish: Coming Feb. 27-March 27, farm-raised MS catfish or shrimp dinners. Includes fish or shrimp, potato salad, green beans, cake, bread, & drink. All food is freshly made on Thur. & Fri. morning, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. or sold out, $12 per dinner, eat in, take out, drive thru or request delivery, 301 South Necaise Ave, Bay St Louis. Call (228) 467-9700 for delivery. • Biloxi, Our Mother of Sorrows Parish: every Fri. of Lent, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Menu: fish, potato salad, green beans, bread, dessert, $14/plate, soda $1, water $1. Call (228) 435-0007 for delivery. Free delivery for 3 or more orders. All delivery orders must be called in by Thurs., 3 p.m. • D’Iberville, Sacred Heart Parish: KCs Council #9094, Sacred Heart, D’Iberville to conduct 14th Annual Lent Fish Fry Fri. Feb. 20-March 27, 4-7 p.m. Fish with potato or coleslaw, Bush vegetarian baked beans, hush puppies, French bread, & cookie. Can get combo plate of fish & shrimp or shrimp plate. Cost is $10, $12, & $14. Drivethrough & dining-in available. Contact Grand Knight Alberto Allegue at (228) 313 1240 for more info & possible home delivery. • Clermont Harbor, St. Ann Parish, & St. Joseph Chapel, Pearlington: every Fri., Feb. 27-March 27, 4:30-7 p.m., dine-in or takeout. Each plate, $15, 3 pieces of fish with 2 sides, bread, drink, & dessert. The child’s plate, $10, 2 pieces of fish, one side, bread, a drink, & dessert. Additional drinks & desserts can be purchased for $1 each. There will be weekly dinner specials available eatin only. At 7 p.m., there will be a 50/50 & weekly drawings. Also a main raffle & children’s raffle, 7 p.m., March 27. *Winners not be present for all drawings.* • Kiln, Annunication Parish: 5-7 p.m. Fish or shrimp plates are $15, crawfish pasta plates $15, crawfish pasta bowls $8 • Pascagoula, Sacred Heart Parish: Fish Fry at Resurrection Catholic School Elem. Campus every Fri. during Lent (Feb. 27-March 27) $15/ plate; 5-7 p.m. > Penance Services > • Columbia, Holy Trinity Parish: Mon., March 23, 6 p.m. along with personal meditative Stations of the Cross & exposing of the Blessed Sacrament • Kiln, Annunication Parish: Thurs., March 26 5:30-7 p.m. • Tylertown, St. Paul Mission: Fri., March 27, 6 p.m. with the exposing of the Blessed Sacrament. > St. Joseph Altars > • Pascagoula, St. Peter the Apostle Parish: March 19-20, 10 a.m.-Noon Tupa-Tupa Ceremony: March 22, 10:45 a.m., point of Contact: Lena Sanders (228) 243-9551 > Stations of the Cross > • Biloxi, Our Mother of Sorrows Parish: every Fri. 5:30 p.m. • Kiln, Annunication Parish: Every Fri. 5 p.m. > Other Activities > • Kiln, Annunication Parish: Parish Feast Day: March 25 The Annunciation of the Lord: 5:30 p.m. Mass (church)
Gulf Pine Catholic • February 27, 2026 7 Confirmation 2026 Across the street stands the ruins of the synagogue where Jesus preached and taught. We held a healing service there for the entire group, which became a very special moment for all the pilgrims. There are 81 recorded miracles of Jesus in Capernaum, and in this sacred place, we were able to bring before the Lord whatever in our lives that needed healing. To celebrate Mass in the cave where Jesus was born in Bethlehem was also very moving. To touch the traditional site of His birth and to celebrate the mystery of the Incarnation -- what God has given to the world in Jesus, true God and true man, born of Mary -- was very special. There were other miracles we recalled during our times of prayer and at Mass: the feeding of the five thousand, the healing of the blind man, the healing of the woman with the hemorrhage, and all the moments when Jesus was present to His people, touching them, blessing them, and lifting them up. It was very intimate and personal. All these moments, at least for me, and I believe for the other pilgrims as well, were opportunities to grow in faith and to experience the love of God in a new and profound way. I traveled with Father MikeAustin, Deacon Dick (and Shirley) Henderson, and Deacon Mike (and Jan Mort). We had the opportunity to share our faith and minister to the 39 pilgrims as they journeyed through their own moments of faith. It was a blessing for us as pilgrims to come to know one another better, and more importantly, to come to know the Lord together, to share in His love, to recognize what we hold in common, to express our faith in a personal way, and to invite God’s healing into our lives. SEE BISHOP’S SPANISH COLUMN, PAGE 4 BishoP’s CoLumn From page 3 Pray for an increase of vocations to the priesthood, to the diaconate, and to the religious life, especially in the Diocese of Biloxi. St. Charles Borromeo Parish, Picayune, Our Lady of Perpetual Hope Parish, Lumberton, and St. Joseph Mission, Poplarville Bishop Louis F. Kihneman III confirmed the following parishioners from St. Charles Borromeo Parish, Picayune; Our Lady of Perpetual Hope Parish, Lumberton; and St. Joseph Mission, Poplarville; on February 7: Andrew Bryan, Nathaniel Caillouet, Caydee Fletcher, Jonathan Gipson, Marlana Hebert, Karoline Hoda, Caroline Johnson, Jonathan Nguyen, Maria Saldana, Cecilia Shaffette, Ruben Ventura-Rios, and Ava White. Photo/Terry Dickson St. Mary Parish, Woolmarket Bishop Louis F. Kihneman III confirmed the following parishioners from St. Mary Parish, Woolmarket, on February 14: Madelyn Jones, Scarlett Foreman, and Samuel McKnight . Photo/Terry Dickson
8 Gulf Pine Catholic • February 27, 2026 US Church faces these areas of ʻcritical concern՚ on religious liberty, says bishops՚ report BY KATE SCANLON OSV News WASHINGTON (OSV News) -- Areas of critical concern for religious liberty in the U.S. include political and anti-religious violence, “unjust terms and conditions on federal grants, and unreliability of government,” access to sacraments for people detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and immigration enforcement operations at houses of worship, according to a new report by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The USCCB Committee for Religious Liberty issued Feb. 17 its “Annual Report on the State of Religious Liberty,” which highlights the legislative actions, executive actions, and U.S. Supreme Court cases the U.S. bishops are closely watching. “While there were positive developments for religious liberty in the past year, there have been worrying developments as well,” Archbishop Alexander K. Sample of Portland, Oregon, chair of the Committee for Religious Liberty, said in his introduction of the report. The other areas of critical concern the report identified were school choice and the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit, the repeal of provisions that prevent religious organizations from participating in government programs, and “further repudiation of gender ideology.” Of the areas the report identifies, Archbishop Sample said, “Perhaps most concerning is the ongoing rise in political violence. The polarization the bishops have long lamented seems to be breaking out into serious attacks. Antisemitic sentiment and rhetoric in mainstream institutions appears to be increasing.” Antisemitic incidents have seen a sharp uptick in recent years, according to the Anti-Defamation League, which tracks antisemitic attacks. That group said in a 2025 report that it recorded 9,354 antisemitic incidents across the U.S. the previous year, which marked a 344% increase over the group’s findings from the previous five years. The report said that Catholic churches also saw instances of violence and vandalism -- most notably the Aug. 27 mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis during a school Mass. The report noted that an investigation “discerned no coherent motive” from the shooter, who expressed “a mix of antisemitic, anti-Trump, racist, and anti-Catholic ideas, along with a strong desire to kill children.” It also pointed to the Oct. 5 arrest of a man armed with explosive devices from the front steps of the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle in Washington, shortly before the church’s annual Red Mass, which marks the opening of the Supreme Court’s term. Examples of political violence included the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, and a firebombing attack on the home of Pennsylvania’s Democratic Gov. Joshua Shapiro during Passover that authorities called an attempted murder. “Too much of our national life is marked by enmity and strife,” Archbishop Sample said. The report also noted areas of tension between the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement and religious liberty, such as loosened restrictions on ICE agents from making arrests at what are seen as sensitive locations, including houses of worship, schools and hospitals, as well as ensuring those in ICE custody have access to the sacraments. “Furthermore, the administration’s aggressive approach to immigration enforcement has led to fears about going to church, driving down Mass attendance and leading some bishops to dispense the faithful from their Sunday obligation,” Archbishop Sample said. The report said that five bishops “have taken the extraordinary step of dispensing Catholics from their Sunday obligation if they fear that going to Mass puts them at risk of being detained.” However, Archbishop Sample said, “there were positive developments for religious liberty too,” citing the Religious Liberty Commission created by President Donald Trump “which several of my brother bishops serve as either members or advisors.” The report also praised steps taken by the Trump administration “to combat gender ideology, which has corroded religious liberty in recent years,” and Trump’s directive to “repeal regulatory provisions that are unlawful in light of recent decisions of the United States Supreme Court, including Carson v. Makin.” Archbishop Sample noted, “all of these developments are taking place as Americans prepare to celebrate two hundred fifty years as an independent nation.” “It is a fitting time to reflect on the ideals expressed in the Declaration of Independence, and how those ideals have shaped the unique culture that has grown over the past two-and-a-half centuries,” he said. “For Catholics, it is an opportunity to reflect on how the Church has enriched American life.” Kate Scanlon is a national reporter for OSV News covering Washington. Follow her on X @kgscanlon. A coach kneels in prayer Oct. 13, 2018, during a high school game at Hurley Field in Berkeley, Mich. The U.S. bishops have issued a new report on religious liberty issues in the U.S. and how the Catholic Church has been affected. OSV News photo/Tim Fuller, courtesy Archdiocese of Detroit
Gulf Pine Catholic • February 27, 2026 9 VOLUNTEERS NEEDED Notre Dame Hospice is looking for volunteers. Volunteers can provide caregiver relief, companionship for patients, run errands, play music, prepare a meal & offer whatever talents our volunteers would like to share. Hospice volunteers do not need any medical experience as they do not handle patients. If you are interested or would like more information, please contact: Janine Bonner, Volunteer Coordinator (504) 418-1049 or email jbonner@notredamehospice.com. Our Mississippi office is in Diamondhead. We need volunteers in the Bay St. Louis, Biloxi, Diamondhead, D’Iberville, Gulfport, Long Beach, Pass Christian, Ocean Springs, & Picayune. The amount of time you wish to volunteer is up to you. Thank you. CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF SOUTH MISSISSIPPI JOB OPENING MENTAL HEALTH THERAPIST Position Summary Catholic Charities of South Mississippi is seeking a compassionate and dedicated Mental Health Therapist to join our team. The ideal candidate will provide high-quality mental health services including individual therapy, family therapy, group counseling, and community outreach. This position requires a commitment to serving others with dignity and respect while upholding the mission and values of Catholic Charities of South Mississippi and the teachings of the Catholic Church. To see full job posting and qualifications visit: catholiccharitiesofsouthms.org/counselingprogram. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED Bethel Free Health Clinic in Biloxi is in immediate need of volunteers to assist with data entry and records management. On-thejob training is available. Clinic days and hours are Tues./Thurs., 8 -11 a.m. For more information or to volunteer, please call (228) 594-3640 or email bethelkatclinic@gmail.com. To advertise in the Gulf Pine Catholic, call 228-702-2109 for more information. New Wine for a New Season: Enrollment now open One of the blessings of ministry is recognizing when something good needs room to grow. Since 2002, the New Wine Program has helped form leaders and disciples across the Diocese of Biloxi. As our diocese continues to step more intentionally into mission, it became clear that New Wine itself needed renewal -- not a replacement, but new space to hold what God is doing now. As I have moved into my role as Director of Faith Formation, I have seen lay leaders generously respond to the call of the Great Commission -- to make disciples -- while also expressing a real need for formation and guidance in how to help others grow as disciple-makers themselves. Jesus tells us that new wine requires new wineskins (Mark 2:22). That image has guided the prayerful updating of the New Wine Program in light of Missio Nostra and the vision of Bishop Louis Kihneman. Our Church is being called beyond maintenance and into missionary discipleship, and our formation must reflect that call. The renewed New Wine Program focuses on helping disciples recognize their gifts, live their baptismal call, and share the Good News of Jesus Christ with confidence. It places greater emphasis on a missional mindset, Catholic Social Teaching, evangelization, and spiritual accompaniment -- learning how to walk with others, sometimes quietly and sometimes courageously, as an “Ananias” on the road to Christ. This is formation that is practical, prayerful, and deeply rooted in the life of the Church. This upcoming cohort is open to both new participants and those who have completed New Wine in the past. I plan to walk with this cohort myself -- not as a facilitator behind the scenes, but as a participant -- because I want to experience New Wine as it exists now. The next New Wine cohort begins August 2026. Applications are open through March 6. Learn more and apply at www.biloxidiocese.org/new-wine. Sacred Heart Parish, Hattiesburg Discipleship Quads / Cuadrillas de Discipulado At Sacred Heart Parish, Father Sergio Balderas has placed a strong emphasis on discipleship since his arrival, encouraging parishioners to begin the 44-week Discipleship Pathway journey. This year, the parish celebrated a significant milestone as three quads completed the year-long formation process. Father Sergio expressed gratitude for the dedication and leadership of quad leaders and members in both the English- and Spanish-speaking communities. During Mass, parishioners heard testimonies from Sergio Lopez, Lorena Marroquin, and Celia Gomez, who shared reflections on their experiences in the quads. At the conclusion of the liturgy, Father Sergio invited all quad members -- including Deacons Javier and Calvin, who also serve as quad leaders -- to come forward for a special blessing. Sacred Heart Parish currently hosts 30 discipleship quads: 20 in Spanish and 10 in English. Echoing the parish’s missionary spirit, Father Sergio reminded the community of Christ’s call to “Go and make disciples,” entrusting their efforts to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
10 Gulf Pine Catholic • February 27, 2026 “She remains a gift in death,” he said. “When Jesus spoke about the greatest commandment, he had in mind such Servants of God as Sister Thea. ‘To love the Lord your God with your whole heart, mind, soul, and strength, and your neighbor as yourself,’ portrays her life-long commitment. Her loving heart, her prophetic spirit, her brilliant mind and boundless stamina even in illness inspired many, and became a beacon for the Church to embrace more authentically the essence of what it means to be Catholic.” Bishop Kopacz considers Sister Thea’s personal journey as a Black Catholic a great source of inspiration. Sharing Thea’s words, he said, “It means that I come to my Church fully functioning…I bring myself, my Black self, all that I am, all that I have, all that I’m worth, all I hope to become. I bring my whole history, my traditions, my experience, my culture, my African American song and dance and gesture and movement and teaching and preaching and healing and responsibility as a gift to the church.” “Her suffering over the final years of her life from an incurable cancer united her to the Cross of the Lord Jesus and served to deepen her love and her graceful spirit. Indeed, she lived until she died.” Sister Thea’s legacy, he further noted, is in tune with the Gospel passage about the vine and the branches, saying that in life sister Thea stayed conned to God and bore much fruit. “The image of careful cultivation for the sake of abundant life continues with the Lord’s words in the Gospel. Remain in me on the vine, and you will produce much fruit. Otherwise, we are dead,” he said. “With the mind of the Lord, Sister Thea wanted to prune away all of the dead branches of ignorance, prejudice, blindness, narrow mindedness and worse that still clung to the Body of Christ, like barnacles on the Barque of Peter. In this manner of living with Sister Thea, inspired with the same commitment for the Church and for the world we too become the Lord’s disciples in word and deed, no longer strangers and sojourners, but fellow citizens of the Household of God with Christ Jesus as the capstone. This is her legacy.” Following Mass, Bishop Kopacz presided over the Closing Session of the Diocesan Phase and Sealing of the Acts, which entailed sealing boxes of collected documents, testimonies, and evidence to be sent to the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Cause of Saints for further, deeper investigation. At the conclusion of the session, the congregation broke into song singing one of Sister Thea’s favorites, “This Little Light of Mine.” Sisters Sue Ernster, Laura Nettles and Georgia Christensen stand with Bishop Joseph Kopacz in front of the sealed boxes that will be shipped to Rome. “This day is a sign of hope. It’s a real beacon of what the world needs, people who are authentically themselves and not letting any systems detract them from that and stepping into their fullness,” said Sister Sue Ernster, president of the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration who was part of a contingency that traveled from the order’s motherhouse in La Crosse, Wisconsin, to take part in the celebration. “Sister Thea (exemplified sainthood) in her dedication to God and always living out what God needed and wanted. At this time in our history, we definitely need people for the goodness of who they are and not letting anyone take that away.” Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration Georgia Christensen knew Sister Thea and remembers her as being “always full of life.” “Sometimes she would even get into mischief,” said Sister Georgia. “But she had a spirit about her that just radiated the love of God. I know there were things that were difficult for her when she was in the congregation, but she rose above it all. She had a spirit of joy and a spirit of God’s love. It is so easy to hear her break into song and try to bring joy to people.” Sister Georgia smiled broadly when asked how she felt to be on hand for the event. “Oh my goodness!,” she exclaimed. “This is the culmination of a life of service. How blessed are we to have someone from our community this close to sainthood and this close to God.” Many friends and former students of Sister Thea attended the Mass, including Myrtle Otto, who was one of ten children to attend Holy Child Jesus. “She started a choir and there were about 30 of us in the choir. The name of the choir was ‘The Voice of Negro America,’” Otto said. “We traveled to different places performing at jubilees and other programs. We sang acapella. We didn’t have a piano or anything like that. Those were wonderful times and today is a wonderful day. I know she’s looking down on us smiling and shouting ‘Hallelujah!’ That was her favorite word. “This is a great day. Who would have known that someone we came across and taught us could become a saint. It’s just a special day. The Lord has blessed us with good weather for this day and we are very happy.” SEE SERVANT OF GOD SISTER THEA BOWMAN, PAGE 11 Sister of God Sister Thea Bowman From page 1 Pictured during Mass, l-r, are seminarian Will Foggo, Bishop Kopacz, Archbishop Rodi and Bishop Baker. Photo/Terry Dickson Mary Woodward, Chancellor for the Diocese of Jackson and Diocesan Liaison to the cause of Canonization for Sister Thea Bowman, leads the closing of the Diocesan Phase. Photo/Terry Dickson
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