Gulf Pine CATHOLIC www.gulfpinecatholic.com VOLUME 43 / NUMBER 18 June 19, 2026 Collins, Lott ordained Transitional Deacons for Diocese of Biloxi Bishop Louis F. Kihneman III ordained Christopher Collins, left, and Jacob Lott, right, to the transitional diaconate on June 6 at Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Cathedral in Biloxi. This summer, Deacon Collins, who is from Gulfport, will serve at Our Lady of the Gulf Parish in Bay St. Louis, while Deacon Lott, who is from Covington County, will be assigned to St. Alphonsus Parish in Ocean Springs. For more photos, see pages 16-17. Photo/Derek Fountain
2 Gulf Pine Catholic • June 19, 2026 Diocese of Biloxi Bulletin Board DIOCESAN EVENTS Patriotic Mass & Concert: The Music & FineArts Ministry of Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Cathedral announces their annual “Patriotic Mass & Concert” for 2026 as a part of the Cathedral’s concert series. It will be held on Sat., June 27. Mass will be celebrated at 4 p.m. with Patriotic hymns & anthems in celebration of the country’s upcoming Independence Day holiday. After the Mass, the annual concert will be presented in the Cathedral at 5:30 p.m. The Cathedral is located at 870 Howard Avenue in downtown Biloxi. These events are free & the public is warmly invited to attend. For further info, contact: Terry D. Maddox, M.M., Minister of Music, Director of Fine Arts at (251) 406-1454 &/or terrydalemaddox@gmail.com. Alhambra Stars & Stripes Dance: Join Alhambra Sat., July 18, 5-7 p.m. at St. Mary, Woolmarket, Murray Hall, as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of our nation with an evening full of music, laughter, & fellowship! It will feature Kelly Brody as the DJ. Food, refreshments, & desserts will be provided. All special friends & Carvan members are invited. Wear your favorite patriotic colors & show your spirit! PARISH EVENTS St. Rose de Lima’s Annual Church Fair: St. Rose de Lima’s Annual Church Fair (Centennial Fair) (formerly Blues & BBQ Festival) will be on Fri., June 26, & Sat., June 27, at the St. Rose de Lima Church grounds, 301 Necaise Avenue, Bay St. Louis. As St. Rose celebrates its 100th year anniversary, we bring our Annual Fair Home again. We’ll have games and entertainment for all ages. Featuring authentic Mexican food on Fri. night & on Fri. & Sat., we’re serving BBQ ribs & BBQ chicken, pulled pork, fried fish, fried shrimp, fried chicken wings, hamburgers, hotdogs, French fries, coleslaw and baked beans plus a huge assortment of sweets. Come enjoy the fun with entertainment by DJ Mixx Maestro on Fri. night & on Sat. St. Rose de Lima Men’s Ensemble & Gospel Choir, Dance performances, John Bezou, DJ Bully, & closing the night with Unfazed from 8-10 p.m. A 50/50 raffle has already begun. Tickets are $5 each or 3 for $10. The winner will be drawn on Sat. night. You do not need to be present to win. Hours are Fri. evening, 5-9 p.m. & Sat. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. For additional info, please call the Parish Office at (228) 467-7347. Nativity BVM Cathedral World Youth Vincentians Celebration: Please join us on Tues., June 30, as we celebrate World Youth Vincentians Day. Nativity BVM Cathedral’s St. Vincent de Paul Society will be hosting a special Mass in the Chapel at 8 a.m., followed by an opportunity for our youth to volunteer with SVdP members & learn more about our society. Refreshments will be served. Please bring a non-perishable item or two! For more info, please contact Kimberly Rasmussen, (228) 236-5741. First Saturday Devotion & Patriotic Celebration: All are warmly invited to join us at St. Mary Church in Woolmarket on Sat., July 4, for a special First Saturday Devotion & Patriotic Celebration as we commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States. We will gather in prayer to honor our Blessed Mother under her title of the Immaculate Conception, Patroness of the United States, & to ask for her loving intercession for our nation, our families, & all who serve our country. In keeping with the request of Our Lady of Fatima, we will also offer prayers of reparation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and the opportunity for Confession will begin at 8:30 a.m. At 9 a.m., we will pray a Scriptural Rosary, followed by a meditation on the mysteries of the Rosary & Benediction. Holy Mass will be celebrated by Father Gillespie at 10 a.m. After Mass, a Marian Procession featuring the American flag, Papal flag, statue of Our Blessed Mother, banner of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, & banners representing various ministries and organizations of St. Mary Parish will conclude at Murray Hall. Everyone is invited to enjoy a potluck luncheon, desserts, & refreshments while celebrating both our Catholic faith & our nation's heritage. We welcome you to join us for this beautiful day of prayer, fellowship, & patriotic celebration. Please bring your family & friends as we come together to honor God, Our Blessed Mother, & our country. For more info, please contact Sharon Poulette at (443) 699-8281 or email aloha7290@gmail.com. Holy Infant of Good Heath Biloxi Diocesan Shrine Monthly Triduum: Monthly Triduum, (3 days), Holy Infant of Good Health Diocesan Shrine, St. Ann Church, 5858 Lower Bay Rd., Bay St. Louis. Masses & Prayers begins Wed., July 8, 8 a.m. Mass; also on Thurs., July 9, 8 a.m., and Fri., July 10, 8 a.m. Holy Hour for Vocations: St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in Ocean Springs is hosting a Holy Hour for Vocations July 13, 6-7 p.m. Our Lady of Fatima Summer Series: Happy, Healthy, & Holy! Discover ways to increase your faith & find lasting joy by attending the OLF Summer Series on the third Wed. of July & August at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church. Our guest speakers are Linda Schaefer on July 15 and Father Mike O'Connor on Aug. 19. The presentations begin at 6:30 p.m., immediately following the 6 p.m. Mass. St. Joseph Catholic Church Annual $10,000 Drawdown & Silent Auction: $10,000 Drawdown & Silent Auction Aug. 15 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, DePew Hall. Doors open at 5 p.m. Dinner served at 5:30 p.m. Adults over age 21 please. Food, drinks, fun. Hawaiian attire encouraged. Tickets are on sale online, in the office, & after Masses. Give your $100 ticket, which admits two people, a second chance to win by purchasing $20 insurance. Individual tickets are $50 each. Donations for the Silent Auction can be made by contacting the parish office. CTK Drawdown: Christ the King Mission, Latimer, will be holding their annual Drawdown & Silent Auction at the Latimer Community Center, Sat., Aug. 22, 5:30-until. $50 per ticket will admit 2 adults and includes cocktails & full buffet down to be served 5:306:30 p.m. The drawdown will begin at 6:30 p.m., you need not be present to win. There will a silent auction & door prizes. Only 320 tickets will be sold & are sale now. For more info to purchase tickets or get books of tickets to sell, call Nancy Buckheister (228) 697-9473 or Michele Moore (228) 860-1580. Proceeds support ministries, outreach programs, and charitable works of Christ the King Catholic Mission. SCHOOL EVENTS Baseball Camp @ Biloxi Shucker Stadium: St. Stanislaus is partnering with the Biloxi Shuckers to host a special one-day camp at Keesler Federal Park on Tues., July 21. The Morning Skills Camp (ages 6-10) runs 9 a.m.- 12 p.m. & the Afternoon Hitting Camp (ages 8-14) runs 1-4 p.m. -- each just $25, or $49 for both. A free pizza lunch is included for campers attending both sessions & every registered camper receives a complimentary ticket to St. Stanislaus Night at the Shuckers on Aug. 15. Learn more and register at: www.ststan.com/saint-stanislaus-shuckers-baseball-camp Publication Copy Date Deadline July 24 July 14 Aug. 21 Aug.11 Sept. 11 Sept. 1 Sept. 25 Sept. 15 Oct. 9 Sept. 29 Oct. 23 Oct. 13 Nov. 6 Oct. 27 Nov. 20 Nov. 10 Dec. 11 Dec. 1 Deadlines subject to change depending on holiday schedule. Please call Shirley at 228-702-2109 for questions or adjusted deadlines. 2026 Publication Date & Copy Deadlines
Gulf Pine Catholic • June 19, 2026 3 Gulf Pine Catholic (ISSN No. 0746-3804) June 19, 2026 Volume 43 Issue 18 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 / BILLING CIRCULATION — Shirley McCusker —OFFICEHOURS— 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday - Friday —PHONE NUMBERS— Editor: 228-702-2126 Production /Advertising Billing / Circulatiuon: 228-702-2109 —EMAIL— News: tdickson@biloxidiocese.org Production / Advertising Billing / Circulation: smccusker@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 JULY 24 News copy and photos: Due JULY 14, 4 p.m. Advertising: Completed Ad and/or copy due JULY 14, 10 a.m. BY BISHOP LOUIS F. KIHNEMAN III Bishop of Biloxi “Let those who are to be ordained deacons come forward.” Those simple words begin one of the most moving moments in the life of the Church. In the Rite of Ordination to the Diaconate, the Church publicly calls men forward for service at the altar, in the proclamation of the Gospel and in works of charity. Recently, Christopher Patrick Collins and Jacob Alexander Lott stepped forward as Holy Mother Church asked that they “be ordained to the responsibility of deacon.” The rite immediately emphasizes that ordination is not simply a personal achievement or milestone. It is a call from Christ through the Church. When asked if the candidates are worthy, the response is powerful: “After inquiry among the Christian people and upon the recommendation of those responsible for their formation, I testify that they have been found worthy.” The Church then places its trust not in human strength alone, but in God’s grace: “Relying on the help of the Lord God and of our Savior Jesus Christ, we choose these our brothers for the order of the diaconate.” The entire rite reflects the spirit of the early Church found in the Acts of the Apostles, when seven men “filled with the Spirit and wisdom” were chosen for ministry and service" (Acts 6:1-6). The deacon is first and foremost a servant. The word itself comes from the Greek word diakonos, meaning servant or minister. The rite explains this beautifully: “Strengthened by the gift of the Holy Spirit, they will help the bishop, priests and pastors in the ministries of the word Bishop Kihneman Called to Serve and of the altar and of charity, showing themselves to be servants of all.” That ministry takes many forms. Deacons proclaim the Gospel, preach, assist at the altar, distribute Holy Communion and serve the people of God in countless acts of charity. The rite says they are called to “proclaim the gospel, prepare the sacrifice, distribute the body and blood of the Lord to the faithful.” (Luke 22:19; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26) Their ministry extends beyond the sanctuary walls. At the direction of the bishop, deacons also exhort believers and unbelievers alike, preside over public prayer, administer baptism, assist at marriages, bring viaticum to the dying and conduct funeral rites. (Matthew 28:19-20; James 5:14-15) At the heart of the diaconate stands Jesus Christ himself. The rite points directly to Christ as the model for every deacon: “In all these duties, let them act with the help of God in such a way that you recognize them as disciples of Him who did not come to be served, but to serve.” (Mark 10:45) That single line may capture the heart of Christian discipleship itself. The deacon becomes a visible reminder to the entire Church that greatness is found not in power or recognition, but in humble service. The ordinands are reminded that Jesus gave this example personally at the Last Supper: “And so as deacons, that is, as ministers of Jesus Christ, who appeared in the midst of the disciples as one who serves, do the will of God in charity from the heart. Serve others with joy as you would serve the Lord.” (Luke 22:27; Colossians 3:23-24) The rite also emphasizes the importance of holiness and integrity. The candidates are told to be like those first chosen by the apostles: “Men of good reputation, full of wisdom and the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 6:3) For those ordained as transitional deacons, the Church speaks movingly about celibacy, describing it as “a sign of pastoral charity” and “a source of spiritual fruit and fruitfulness in the world.” (Matthew 19:12; 1 Corinthians 7:32-35) Through this total dedication, the ordinands are told they “will cling more readily to Christ, with an undivided heart.” Near the end of the exhortation comes one of the most repeated and memorable lines of the rite: “Do not allow yourselves to be turned away from the hope of the gospel in which you are now called.” (Colossians 1:23) Those words are directed not only to the newly ordained, but to all Christians. Every baptized person is called to remain rooted in the hope of the Gospel, even in a world filled with distractions, discouragement and division. The Rite of Ordination reminds us that the Church continues the mission entrusted by Christ to the apostles. Through the laying on of hands, a ministry “passed down from the apostles” continues in every generation. And at its heart remains the example of Jesus Christ -- the one who came not to be served, but to serve. Please continue to pray for Deacons Christopher Collins and Jacob Lott as they begin their ministry of service in the Church. God willing, these two men will be ordained to the priesthood next year, continuing their journey of faithfully answering Christ’s call to serve His people. SEE BISHOP’S SPANISH COLUMN, PAGE 4 July 25 Consecration of a Virgin Living in the World, Nativity BVM Cathedral, Biloxi, 10:30 a.m. Bishop Kihneman’s Schedule
4 Gulf Pine Catholic • June 19, 2026 POR EL OBISPO LOUIS F. KIHNEMAN III Obispo de Biloxi “Que se acerquen los que van a ser ordenados diáconos.” Esas sencillas palabras comienzan uno de los momentos más conmovedores en la vida de la Iglesia. En el Rito de Ordenación al Diaconado, la Iglesia llama públicamente a los hombres para el servicio en el altar, en la proclamación del Evangelio y en las obras de caridad. Recientemente, Christopher Patrick Collins y Jacob Alexander Lott dieron un paso al frente mientras la Santa Madre Iglesia pedía que ellos “sean ordenados para la responsabilidad del diaconado.” El rito enfatiza inmediatamente que la ordenación no es simplemente un logro o acontecimiento personal. Es un llamado de Cristo a través de la Iglesia. Cuando se pregunta si los candidatos son dignos, la respuesta es poderosa: “Después de consultar al pueblo cristiano y siguiendo la recomendación de quienes han sido responsables de su formación, doy testimonio de que han sido considerados dignos.” La Iglesia entonces pone su confianza no solamente en la fuerza humana, sino en la gracia de Dios: “Confiando en la ayuda de Dios nuestro Señor y de Jesucristo nuestro Salvador, elegimos a estos hermanos nuestros para el orden del diaconado.” Todo el rito refleja el espíritu de la Iglesia primitiva que encontramos en los Hechos de losApóstoles, cuando siete hombres “llenos del Espíritu y de sabiduría” fueron escogidos para el ministerio y el servicio (Hechos 6:1-6). El diácono es, ante todo, un servidor. La misma palabra proviene del término griego diakonos, que significa servidor o ministro. El rito lo explica bellamente: “Fortalecidos con el don del Espíritu Santo, ayudarán al obispo, a los sacerdotes y a los pastores en los ministerios de la palabra, del altar y de la caridad, mostrándose servidores de todos.” Ese ministerio toma muchas formas. Los diáconos proclaman el Evangelio, predican, ayudan en el altar, distribuyen la Sagrada Comunión y sirven al pueblo de Dios en innumerables actos de caridad. El rito dice que están llamados a “proclamar el Evangelio, preparar el sacrificio y distribuir el Obispo Kihneman Cuerpo y la Sangre del Señor a los fieles.” (Lucas 22:19; 1 Corintios 11:23-26). Su ministerio se extiende más allá de las paredes del santuario. Bajo la dirección del obispo, los diáconos también exhortan tanto a creyentes como a no creyentes, presiden la oración pública, administran el bautismo, asisten en los matrimonios, llevan el viático a los moribundos y celebran los ritos funerarios. (Mateo 28:19-20; Santiago 5:14-15) En el corazón del diaconado se encuentra Jesucristo mismo. El rito señala directamente a Cristo como el modelo para cada diácono: “En todos estos deberes, actúen con la ayuda de Dios de tal manera que todos los reconozcan como discípulos de Aquel que no vino para ser servido, sino para servir.” (Marcos 10:45) Esa sola línea quizá capture el corazón mismo del discipulado cristiano. El diácono se convierte en un recordatorio visible para toda la Iglesia de que la grandeza no se encuentra en el poder o el reconocimiento, sino en el servicio humilde. A los ordenandos se les recuerda que Jesús dio este ejemplo personalmente en la Última Cena: “Y así, como diáconos, es decir, como ministros de Jesucristo, quien apareció en medio de los discípulos como el que sirve, hagan la voluntad de Dios con caridad de corazón. Sirvan a los demás con alegría, como servirían al Señor.” (Lucas 22:27; Colosenses 3:23-24). El rito también enfatiza la importancia de la santidad y la integridad. A los candidatos se les dice que sean como aquellos primeros escogidos por los apóstoles: “Hombres de buena reputación, llenos de sabiduría y del Espíritu Santo.” (Hechos 6:3) Para aquellos ordenados como diáconos transitorios, la Iglesia habla de manera conmovedora sobre el celibato, describiéndolo como “signo de caridad pastoral” y “fuente de fecundidad espiritual y apostólica en el mundo.” (Mateo 19:12; 1 Corintios 7:32-35). A través de esta entrega total, se les dice a los ordenandos que “se unirán más fácilmente a Cristo con un corazón indiviso.” Cerca del final de la exhortación aparece una de las líneas más repetidas y memorables del rito: “No permitan jamás que los aparten de la esperanza del Evangelio al que ahora han sido llamados.” (Colosenses 1:23) Esas palabras están dirigidas no solamente a los recién ordenados, sino a todos los cristianos. Toda persona bautizada está llamada a permanecer arraigada en la esperanza del Evangelio, incluso en un mundo lleno de distracciones, desaliento y división. El Rito de Ordenación nos recuerda que la Iglesia continúa la misión confiada por Cristo a los apóstoles. A través de la imposición de manos, un ministerio “transmitido desde los apóstoles” continúa en cada generación. Y en el centro de todo permanece el ejemplo de Jesucristo: Aquel que vino no para ser servido, sino para servir. Por favor, continúen orando por los diáconos Christopher Collins y Jacob Lott mientras comienzan su ministerio de servicio en la Iglesia. Dios mediante, estos dos hombres serán ordenados al sacerdocio el próximo año, continuando así su camino de responder fielmente al llamado de Cristo para servir a Su pueblo. Llamados a Servir 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
Gulf Pine Catholic • June 19, 2026 5 Compassionate Service 228-374-5650 Bradfordokeefe.com Opening Remarks -- Image: St. Teresa of Avila, a doctor of the Church, was known for speaking candidly to the Lord. On one occasion, while traveling, she was thrown from her horse into a river. Teresa remarked, “Dear Lord, if this is how you treat your friends, it is no wonder you have so few.” Summer officially begins today, and plans for outdoor activities are underway to lighten up, dress down, and have fun. Yet today's readings are heavy with Lenten themes and challenge us to keep our faith strong even in difficult times. Summary of Readings: In our first reading, Jeremiah recounts the difficulties he faced in delivering God՚s message, including being labeled a false prophet and having his every word scrutinized by “friends” who waited for a chance to condemn him. He also received threats on his life. The Psalmist laments that his zeal for the Lord makes him an outcast to his family. Today’s letter to the Romans opens on a gloomy note, “Sin entered the world, and through sin, death… since all have sinned.” In today’s Gospel, Jesus assures that He will acknowledge before the Father anyone who acknowledges Him before others. God Cares: So, where is the good news today? Along with the everyday trials life hands us: the death of a loved one, relationship breakups, health issues, financial stress, job pressures, family members rejecting the faith (add your own), serving the Lord can lead to persecution and being ostracized. Jesus told His disciples they would share in His sufferings. Yet in today's Gospel, Jesus assures us there is nothing to fear. Because the word of God is timeless good news that offers encouragement and guidance, we can relate to real-life situations presented in today’s readings. Despite the hardships, the readings ultimately have a positive, uplifting thread. In the end, things work out for the better because problems are handled with the Lord rather than apart from Him. God cares about our challenges and has the desire and the power to do something about them. Shout With Zeal: After a long lament, the Psalmist (Psalm 69) acknowledges that praising God with a contrite heart has great value. He closes with a new song of praise and thanksgiving, leading the assembly in a hymn of rejoicing. “Let the heavens and the earth praise Him.” Confidence in the Lord’s rescue and restoration when things get troublesome is essential to our faith growth. Our trust in the Lord is not only for our benefit but must be proclaimed with zeal to all within earshot. But: Paul’s teaching in today’s second reading reflects on Adam’s sin. Then he adds the magic word, “but.” “But” assures the reader that sin is not the final verdict -- there is more to the story. Some of us seem to enjoy focusing on the speck in the other՚s eye while ignoring the plank in our own eyes (Matthew 7:5). Paul takes the higher road, “But the gift (of God) is not like the transgression… through the grace of God in Jesus Christ, acquittal comes to all.” Therefore, our faith and hope are rooted in Jesus, who, through His Church, frees us from the bondage of sin. To experience what Paul is saying, do not delay celebrating the Sacrament of Reconciliation. There, the Lord welcomes us, forgives us, and gives us the grace to be conformed more fully to Christ. Proclaim: In today’s Gospel, we walk in the footsteps of Jesus, ready to take up the cross with the glory, because we cannot have one without the other. The heading in the Bible for this Gospel passage reads, “Courage Under Persecution.” By telling His disciples to proclaim, Jesus answers the question raised in our first reading: Do I obey God or please people? (Matthew: 10:27). Proclaim without fear, ambiguity, or animosity. Proclaim with the word, with your deeds, and with love. Finally, Jesus reminds us that our public profession of boldness, faith, and truth, regardless of the consequences, is directly connected to our eternal salvation. Our Lord will welcome those of us who speak of all we have heard, learned, and lived. But (here is that word again) our denial of Him before others will result in Jesus’ denial of us at the time of judgment. That is Jesus’ way of describing God’s justice. Closing Comment and Question: The cross is our answer to the question of who we say Christ is. The vertical beam symbolizes our intimate personal relationship with the Lord, while the horizontal beam expresses our willingness to be Christ-like as we bring Christ to others. How can you continue using your gifts to make your faith in Christ contagious? Deacon Ralph Torrelli lives in Hattiesburg and is assigned to St. Thomas Aquinas Parish. Visit his website: www.homilypearls.com. 1st Reading: Jeremiah 20:10-13 Responsorial Psalm: 69:2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9 2nd Reading: Romans 5:12-15 Gospel: Matthew 10:26-33 12th Sunday of Ordinary Time Jesus is the answer Deacon Torrelli Sunday Scripture Commentaries Pray for an increase of vocations to the priesthood, to the diaconate, to the consecrated and to the religious life, especially in the Diocese of Biloxi
6 Gulf Pine Catholic • June 19, 2026 Half a century after the American Revolution, Alexis de Tocqueville journeyed from France to the United States to study our fledgling democracy. His trip resulted in the book “Democracy in America,” where he asserts that America’s greatest strength is our ability to correct ourselves. De Tocqueville also observed, “Nothing is more wonderful than the art of being free, but nothing is harder to learn how to use than freedom.” In 1886, Fredrick Douglass delivered his speech, “A Lecture on the Civil Rights Bill,” where he identifies the conscience rights underpinning our nation’s ability to self-correct, saying, “No right was deemed by the fathers of the government more sacred than the right of speech. It was in their eyes, as in the eyes of all thoughtful men, the great moral renovator of society and government.” In addition to free speech, conscience rights underpin the free exercise of religion and are essential to achieving the promise of America, as Pope St. John Paul II observed in his 1995 visit to our nation, saying, “America, may your trust always be in God and in none other.” Then quoting Francis Scott Key, he said, “and then, ‘the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave o՚er the land of the free and the home of the brave.’” The promise of America has always been best expressed in the free exercise of religion, like the work of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, who came to America in 1889 with the hope of making a positive difference in the world. Her story is dramatized in the Christopher Award-winning film “Cabrini,” where she meets with the pope to answer his concerns about her poor health and whether that hardship should curtail her venture to America. “We can serve our weakness,” Mother Cabrini tells the pope, “or we can serve our purpose. Not both.” Later in the film, when Mother Cabrini faces obstacles to her mission, she declares, “Begin the mission, the means will come.” Mother Cabrini’s declaration is one of faith in God to provide for us when we set out to make the world a better place. The declaration that set our nation in motion was rooted in faith and in a purpose articulated by Benjamin Franklin in a letter he wrote after signing the Declaration of Independence. “Our cause is the cause of all mankind,” Franklin wrote, “we are fighting for their liberty in defending our own.” This coming July 4, we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. It’s a milestone that marks the moment when our freedoms were so boldly articulated. It has fallen to each successive generation to learn how to use those freedoms and make the necessary self-corrections. We celebrate our nation’s milestone with gratitude because it set in motion the freedom that allowed Father James Keller, M.M., to call a war-weary American people to move forward in faith when he founded The Christophers back in 1945. Soon after, Father Keller wrote the following words that embody the promise of America. “The mere fact that you are alive, reading these words, no matter your age, the state of your health or physical condition, means that you have been chosen by God to perform some work that no other person can do. If you wish to leave the world better than you found it, you must be convinced that you have been put here for a purpose, delegated by God to play a part in renewing the face of the earth.” Fr. Ed Dougherty, M.M., serves on The Christophers’ Board of Directors. 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. The Promise of America Light One Candle Father Dougherty A few days ago, I celebrated Mass at the nursing home in the local town. Prior to Covid, I celebrated Mass there on a regular basis. The complex is owned and ministered to by the Sisters of Mercy. It includes a section for patients who need ongoing care and residence. Another section is a complex that houses some thirty nuns, now, retired, but still very active and mobile, who served as teachers in various high schools in the surrounding towns. This latter section of about thirty served as their residence where both their health and well being was accommodated. Following the Mass, I was invited to join the nuns for their lunch time meal. There, amid all the questions and introductions, I was able to enjoy a feast of salmon smothered in parsley sauce along with a generous helping of mashed potatoes, carrots and cauliflower, as well as soup, dessert, and tea or coffee. In the course of our many conversations and many questions about my ministry history, one of the nuns, came up and said: “We had a couple drop by here a few days. They were traveling around Ireland. They stopped into our convent because he wanted to tell us that he had Irish nuns who taught him while he was in elementary school. He and his wife were both Americans and lived in America. He just wanted to find out where in Ireland did his teaching nuns come from who taught him in elementary school." Out of curiosity, the sister who was speaking to them, asked where he went to elementary school in the States. He volunteered, “Mississippi.” This was followed by “Biloxi, Mississippi. That is where I went to elementary school and was taught there by a group of Irish nuns.” The nun that the couple spoke to was out of town the day I was there. When I heard “Biloxi,” my curiosity peaked. I told the nun who relayed the encounter to me that I had served in Biloxi as a priest for four years back in the late 1970’s and that I was a frequent visitor to Nativity School, visiting classrooms and during recess. I was very familiar with the Irish nuns that taught there. I knew that this group of Irish nuns who taught there had their mother house in another part of Ireland, in towns called Nenagh and Birr, some hundred miles away. Recently, I read a story abut a professor who gave a pop quiz to his students. The story was told by one of his students. She said that she just breezed through the quiz until she came to the last question. The question: “What is the name of the woman who cleans the floor in this building?” She knew the woman referred to in the question. She’d seen the cleaning woman many times. She was tall, darkhaired, probably in her 50s. But the student had to hand in her paper, leaving the last question blank. When one student complained and asked if the last question would count toward the grade, the professor replied, "Absolutely! In your careers you will meet many people. All of them are significant! They deserve your attention and care, even if all you can do is smile and say hello." It was an example the student never forgot. And, oh!, the cleaning woman’s name -- Dorothy. We may never remember all the names, but when do we ever have an excuse not to care?” The man and his wife who visited Ireland, brought with him some very fond and special memories of being taught by a group of Irish Sisters at Nativity B.V.M. School in Biloxi, MS. As they traveled around Ireland, he still carried the experience of his happy school days that was mingled with the hope and desire that, perchance, he might connect with his inspiring teachers. If not, at least, he may be inspired by the landscape that allowed some nuns to plant seeds of love, care, affirmation, support, encouragement in the minds and hearts of students who would be imbued with the spirit that such nuns carried to the mission fields of Biloxi. SEE ACROSS THE POND, PAGE 7 He didn’t forget Across the Pond Father Tracey
Gulf Pine Catholic • June 19, 2026 7 228-539-9800 www.RiemannFamily.com Gulfport Pass Christian West Jackson County Biloxi Long Beach Hancock County Schools and colleges just sent a new generation of graduates into a waiting world where they could gift it with their knowledge, wisdom, eagerness, and, most of all, example. Yet, sadly, once the diplomas are in hand and they close the books on their school days; they suffer from amnesia in not only recalling and appreciating the impact such teachers had on them; but, also, the desire to thank and appreciate them. Ralph Waldo Emerson reminds us that success means, “To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate the beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded!” 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 6 VOLUNTEERS Looking for Volunteers: Notre Dame Hospice is looking for volunteers. Volunteers can provide caregiver relief, companionship for patients, run errands, play music, prepare a meal and 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 info, please contact: Janine Bonner, Volunteer Coordinator at (504) 418-1049 or email jbonner@notredamehospice.com. Our Mississippi office is in Diamondhead. We need volunteers in Bay St. Louis, Biloxi, Diamondhead, Gulfport, Long Beach-Pass Christian, Ocean Springs, and Picayune. Catholic view on destination weddings As young, engaged couples make the decision about the marriage location, destination weddings are the biggest fad. Today, destination weddings make up 17 to 25% of all weddings. Roughly, one in five couples choose to marry away from home. And that number is growing. There is not a separate category for “first time” destination weddings, however, one third of these involve at least one second marriage. There is no official registry that tracks the exact number of Catholic destination weddings, however, planning a Catholic destination wedding REQUIRES adherence to specific canon law requirements. Rules for a Catholic Destination Wedding 1. Venue restrictions -- Canonical weddings CANNOT be held on a beach or outdoors. They must take place inside a consecrated Catholic Church or a Church -recognized chapel. 2. Priest availability -- You must have a Catholic priest preside over your ceremony. Many popular wedding resorts in Mexico, the Caribbean, and Hawaii have onsite and affiliated Chapels. 3. Paperwork and Pre-Cana -- You MUST complete your pre-Cana marriage Marriage & Family Life Mitchell Catholic view on destination weddings preparation through your home parish. You will also need paperwork like Baptism and Confirmation certificates and a letter of Freedom, which usually takes 3 to 12 months to process and transfer. 4. Legality -- to ensure your marriage is legally recognized in a foreign country, couples typically must check with the civil registration locally before or after their sacred ceremony. How to obtain blessings from the Church after a civil ceremony Convalidation is the process by which the Catholic Church validates a civil marriage that was not originally recognized under Church law. It is not a mere “Blessing.” Instead, the couple exchanges a new free act of consent before a priest or deacon and two witnesses to form a valid sacramental marriage. Now, to make that work, by Church law, baptized Catholics must be married in the presence of a Catholic bishop, priest, or deacon (unless they receive a specific dispensation). Marrying civilly in another faith without this permission makes the marriage invalid in the eyes of the Church. And one of the impediments is if a previous marriage existed and no annulment was obtained, or if one of the spouses was not free to marry at the time. Convalidation brings couples back into full communion with the Church, allowing them to participate fully in the sacraments, including receiving Holy Communion. It provides peace of mind and brings the grace of the Sacrament of Matrimony into their relationship. The beauty of Catholic marriages is that it must involve three components, the husband, the wife, and the Lord. That’s what makes the Sacrament so beautiful, and all married couples should seek full participation in the Sacraments. God bless you and your Marriages! Deacon Justin Mitchell Director of Marriage and Family Life Catholic Diocese of Biloxi Deacon Justin Mitchell is the Director of Marriage and Family Life for the Diocese of Biloxi. Bishop Kihneman’s homilies are available in video and audio form on the Diocese of Biloxi’s website. To access these homilies, visit www.biloxidiocese.org.
8 Gulf Pine Catholic • June 19, 2026 Obituaries Sister Mary Elisa Bauman, RSM, a longtime educator and administrator at Our Lady Academy in Bay St. Louis, died May 16 at Catherine’s Residence in St. Louis. She was 88 years old and had been a Sister of Mercy for 70 years. Sister Elisa devoted much of her ministry to Catholic education on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. From 1986 to 2022, she served at Our Lady Academy in Bay St. Louis as assistant principal, campus minister, and teacher of Latin and religion. She also served as campus ministry leader and principal at Mercy Cross High School in Biloxi from 1981 to 1986. Following her retirement from education, she remained in Bay St. Louis for several years before moving to Catherine’s Residence in St. Louis in December 2022. Born in North Little Rock, Arkansas, Sister Elisa entered the Religious Sisters of Mercy in 1955 and professed perpetual vows in 1961. She earned degrees from the University of Arkansas and Creighton University. She is survived by her four nieces and their families, members of her Mercy community, and many friends, colleagues, and former students throughout the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Private funeral services will be held in St. Louis, with a memorial Mass and burial in Little Rock, Arkansas, at a later date. Sister Mary Elisa Bauman, RSM Sister Mary Elisa Bauman With faith in the resurrection and deep gratitude for a life devoted to God and His Church, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee and the Society of St. Joseph’s of the Sacred Heart mourn the passing of Most Reverend John H. Ricard, SSJ, who entered eternal life on Wednesday, May 20, at St. Joseph’s Seminary in Washington, D.C., at the age of 86. A devoted shepherd, missionary, educator, humanitarian, advocate for justice, and faithful servant of the Gospel, Bishop Ricard dedicated his life to proclaiming Christ and serving the people of God, especially within Black Catholic communities and among those suffering throughout the world. Bishop Ricard was born on February 29, 1940, in Rougon, Louisiana, one of eight children born to Maceo and Albanie Ricard. Raised in the segregated South, his early experiences profoundly shaped his lifelong commitment to racial justice, human dignity, and the mission of the Church. He often humorously remarked that he was younger than his actual age because he celebrated an official birthday only once every four years. Even in later years, his joyful spirit, warmth, and approachable nature remained hallmarks of his personality. Following his graduation from high school, Bishop Ricard entered St. Joseph’s Society of the Sacred Heart in 1958. Drawn to the Josephites because of their dedicated ministry among Black Catholics, he later reflected that he saw in them unselfish men who served the Black community and who shared the hopes, struggles, and aspirations of Black Catholics. He professed final vows in 1967 and completed his theological formation at St. Joseph Seminary in Washington, D.C. Bishop Ricard was ordained to the priesthood on May 25, 1968, by Bishop Robert Emmet Tracy of Baton Rouge. Following ordination, he pursued advanced academic studies, earning a master’s degree from Tulane University in 1970 and later a doctorate from The Catholic University of America in 1984. He ministered at St. Peter Claver in New Orleans and later pastored in Washington, D.C., at Holy Redeemer, Holy Comforter, and our Lady of Perpetual Help. In 1984, Pope St. John Paul II appointed Father Ricard Auxiliary Bishop of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Baltimore, making him the first Black bishop in the history of the Archdiocese of Baltimore. Choosing the episcopal motto “God is Gracious,” Bishop Ricard became known as a compassionate pastor, gifted preacher, and prophetic voice for justice and reconciliation. As Urban Vicar in Baltimore, he worked closely with city parishes and communities, advocating for racial justice, Catholic education, economic equity, and regional solidarity. He actively participated in anti-apartheid advocacy efforts and later served as an electoral observer during South Africa’s historic 1994 democratic elections following the fall of apartheid. In January 1997, Pope St. John Paul II appointed Bishop Ricard as the fourth bishop of the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee. He was installed on March 13, 1997, at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart. During nearly fourteen years as bishop, he strengthened Catholic education, promoted vocations, expanded diocesan ministries, and oversaw significant growth throughout the diocese’s eighteen counties. Under his leadership, John Paul II Catholic High School opened in Tallahassee in 2001, and the Monsignor James Amos Pastoral Center was completed in 2003. He ordained 19 men to the priesthood in the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee, supported numerous classes of permanent deacons, and blessed or dedicated dozens of parish buildings and renovations throughout Northwest Florida. Bishop Ricard became one of the most respected Black Catholic leaders of his generation and of the Black Catholic Movement. He was instrumental in relaunching the National Black Catholic Congress in 1987 and served as its president until 2019. Through the Congress, he championed evangelization, leadership formation, cultural affirmation, youth engagement, and the spiritual heritage of Black Catholics throughout the United States. Throughout his life, Bishop Ricard remained an unwavering advocate for racial justice and reconciliation. Following the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., he helped lead workshops and civil rights discussions for seminarians and parishioners. Even in later years, he continued to call the Church toward courageous engagement with issues of racism, violence, inequality, and voting rights. SEE OBIT MOST REVEREND JOHN RICARD, PAGE 14 Most Reverend John H. Ricard, SSJ Most Rev. John Ricard
Gulf Pine Catholic • June 19, 2026 9 Letter to the Bishop Most Reverend Michael F. Burbidge Bishop of Arlington NCPD Episcopal Moderator Dear Bishop Kihneman, As the Episcopal Moderator of the National Catholic Partnership on Disability (NCPD), I am most grateful for receipt of your 20262027 Affiliate membership contribution. Your support of NCPD affirms that the ministry with persons with disabilities is vital to making the Church a home for all. The remarkable work being accomplished by NCPD aligns with that of the USCCB and the entire Church -- love of God and love of neighbor! NCPD welcomes every opportunity to provide consultation, training, and resoures to assist you and your staff on disability-related issues. Their vast expertise in this specialized ministry is a gift to our national Church. Thank you for being an NCPD Affiliate Member. May you and all entrusted to your pastoral care be filled with abundant blessings. Fraternally in Christ, Michael F. Burdige Most Reverend Michael F. Burdige Bishop of Arlington NCPD Episcopal Moderator St. Dominic Church invites men to Experience Emmaus retreat weekend NEW ORLEANS -- St. Dominic Church is inviting men ages 18 and older to deepen their faith and encounter Christ through the St. Dominic Men’s Emmaus Retreat, scheduled for July 24–26. Inspired by the Gospel story of “The Road to Emmaus” (Luke 24:13-35), the retreat offers participants an opportunity to walk with Jesus through prayer, fellowship, reflection and the sacraments. In the Gospel account, two disciples encounter the risen Christ while traveling to Emmaus: “Were not our hearts burning within us while He talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” (Luke 24:32) Organizers say the retreat is designed to help men renew their relationship with God and strengthen their faith journey alongside other Catholic men. All men -- parishioners and non-parishioners alike -- are welcome to attend. The retreat begins at 4 p.m. Friday, July 24, at St. Dominic Church, 775 Harrison Ave., New Orleans, LA, and concludes after the 5:30 p.m. Mass on Sunday, July 26, back at St. Dominic Church. The retreat will be held at the W.J. Kelley Retreat Center in Bay St. Louis, MS. Transportation to and from the retreat center is provided and is included as part of the retreat experience. The registration fee is $200, with scholarships available for those in need. Participants may register by mailing a completed registration form and payment to: St. Dominic Church Emmaus Retreat Ministry 775 Harrison Ave. New Orleans, LA 70124 Checks should be made payable to: St. Dominic Church Men’s Emmaus Retreat. Registrations may also be submitted electronically by texting a photo of the completed registration form and Zelle payment to sdMensEmmaus@gmail.com. Participants should include their name and “Jul2026 Retreat” in the Zelle memo line. For additional information, contact: • Norm Madere at (504) 481-0411 • Steve Schulkens at (504) 401-6990 • Rick Valadie at (504) 655-8932
10 Gulf Pine Catholic • June 19, 2026
Gulf Pine Catholic • June 19, 2026 11 Lingenfelder prepares for Consecration as a Virgin Living in the World BY TERRY DICKSON BILOXI -- For most of her life, the call was there -- quiet at first, then impossible to ignore. “I first felt a call to be Bride of Christ when I was in the second grade,” said Katherine Lingenfelder, a Diocese of Biloxi woman preparing to be consecrated this summer as a Consecrated Virgin Living in the World. Her journey toward consecrated virginity has taken years of prayer, discernment and surrender to God’s will. On July 25 at 10:30 a.m. at Nativity BVMCathedral in Biloxi, Bishop Louis F. Kihneman III will consecrate Lingenfelder publicly during a Mass attended by clergy, religious and faithful from across the diocese. It will be the first consecration of its kind in the Diocese of Biloxi. “The day of my Consecration, it will be my wedding day,” Lingenfelder said. “On that day, I will be consecrated to God and mystically espoused to Jesus.” Born on a military base in England to a military family, Lingenfelder moved to Washington state as a small child before settling on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Her Catholic faith was rooted early through parish life at St. John Parish in Gulfport and later St. Mary Parish in Woolmarket. As a young girl, she was active in parish life, assisting with CCD classes, singing in the choir and helping clean the church alongside her father. “I wanted to be a teacher,” she recalled of her childhood dreams. That desire to help others later led her to study social work in college before changing directions to speech communication after a professor encouraged her to pursue the field. “It was one of the best decisions that I have ever made,” she said. “I am an introvert and was extremely shy. It caused me to stretch and to find my voice.” Though she remained deeply involved in ministry through high school and college, the deeper call to belong completely to Christ continued growing stronger. She taught CCD, served as a lector and extraordinary minister of Holy Communion, sang in the choir and participated in youth ministry and diocesan events. During her years as a youth minister at St. Mary in Woolmarket, she said the desire “to become a Bride of Christ” intensified. Eventually, she left her job and entered a discernment home in Wisconsin to explore religious life. It was there she first encountered the vocation of consecrated virginity. After returning home, she quietly continued discerning while praying for clarity. “I wanted Jesus to make it clear between myself and Him if He was inviting me into this vocation,” Lingenfelder said. A turning point came during a 2022 pilgrimage to the Holy Land. While visiting the site of the Annunciation, she experienced what she described as an overwhelming peace. “I told God that I was completely surrendering to Him and that I would do whatever He asked,” she said. “I told Jesus that I was His and that I loved Him. In that moment -- the bells for the Angelus rang.” Throughout the pilgrimage, she said she repeatedly sensed God speaking to her heart. “I kept hearing, ‘The time has come. I love you. The time has come for you to be my Bride,’” she said. Later, after attending a consecration ceremony herself, she knew with certainty that this was the vocation God intended for her. “As the Candidate for Consecrated Virginity walked down the aisle -- I could see myself as her,” Lingenfelder said. “I sobbed and wept the whole time as the Rite was beautiful, intricate and was my very own heart.” She later contacted Father Braxton Necaise, diocesan vocations director, to begin the formal application process. Consecrated virginity is one of the oldest vocations in the Catholic Church, dating back to the early Church. Unlike religious sisters, consecrated virgins live and work in the world while dedicating their lives entirely to Christ and the Church. “Consecrated Virgins Living in the World do just that -- they live in the world but not of the world,” she explained. Lingenfelder currently works for the Diocese of Biloxi and will soon begin serving full-time in the Vocations Office as an administrative assistant. Her vocation centers on prayer for the Church, clergy and the salvation of souls. “Because Consecrated Virgins are Brides of Christ, Jesus is their Bridegroom,” she said. “So for me, that means going to Mass as often as possible, spending time with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.” She acknowledged that the vocation remains unfamiliar to many Catholics and has required education and understanding even within the diocese itself. “This vocation is literally counter cultural,” she said. Her advice to young women discerning a vocation is simple: do not be afraid. “Whatever vocation you are called to, you will find your greatest joy,” Lingenfelder said. “Do not be afraid.” For more information, visit https://cana.wedding/ katherineconsecration. Katherine Lingenfelder Prayer for Protection against Storms and Hurricanes Our Father in Heaven through the intercession of Our Lady of Prompt Succor, spare us during this Hurricane season from all harm. Protect us and our homes from all disasters of nature. Our Lady of Prompt Succor, hasten to help us. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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