16 Gulf Pine Catholic • March 13, 2026 Rite of Election held at St. Thomas Catholic Church, Long Beach The Rite of Election was held on Sunday, March 1, at St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Long Beach. Bishop Louis F. Kihneman III presided over the celebration, at which candidates and catechumens express their readiness to join the Catholic Church. The Rite of the Elect is usually held at Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Cathedral in Biloxi. However, due to the large number of people entering the Church this year, the celebration was moved to St. Thomas the Apostle. Top left, Bishop Kihneman signs the Book of the Elect for Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos Parish in Biloxi. At right is Deacon M.J. Landry. Top right, the bishop poses with candidates, catechumens, and sponsors from St. Rose de Lima Parish in Bay St. Louis. Center left, the bishop with candidates, catechumens, and sponsors from Immaculate Conception Parish in Laurel. Bottom left, the bishop with candidates, catechumens, and sponsors from St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in Hattiesburg. Photos/Terry Dickson For more photos, visit Biloxi.smugmug.com.
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