Gulf Pine Catholic

Gulf Pine Catholic • June 21, 2024 11 There are seniors on disability with health condi- tions. There are others with cognitive disabilities. Some are getting a fresh start after paying their dues for some not-so-great decisions they made as young people. Many have income and most that don’t are actively looking for work within walking distance. One young man walks to D’Iberville every day for work as he saves his money to pay some fines and get his own place. He never misses work, regardless of the weather. Some have addiction issues; some have mental health disabilities. Some have been homeless for so long they do not know anything different and are terrified of becoming housed. None have family or friends that they can call on to help. But they are all humans and deserve to be treated as such. We encourage people to come out and volunteer. Spend some time getting to know some of the inter- esting characters that come through MCC. There hasn’t been a day that our team hasn’t been thankful for the opportunity to get to know our guests. We’ve learned so much, laughed, had some tough conver- sations, and been awed at how people take care of one another. As the team progresses with the community at MCC, we look forward to walking with individuals as they reach their goals, progress, and eventually find themselves stably housed. Until that day comes, they will be treated with respect, compassion, and a little tough love to give them hope for tomorrow. Mercy Cross Center From page 1 Bishop’s Column From page 3 To know Jesus, to love Jesus, to serve Jesus, and to witness to Jesus means that we must share the love of Jesus with others so that the longing of the others’ hearts can also be satisfied in His love. This is paramount to our purpose as Catholic Christians. Someone who beautifully modeled the ideal of ministering to the less fortunate was St. Martin de Porres. He is one of the patron saints of our diocese and whose name will adorn the Mercy Cross Field House. If you have ever been inside the St. Anne, Mother of Mary, Chapel at the Diocese of Biloxi’s Pastoral Center, you may have noticed a beautiful statue of St. Martin de Porres near the tabernacle. St. Martin was a lay Dominican brother of Peruvian descent who opened a shelter for homeless children, providing them with food, clothing, and education. He also established a hospital where he tended to the sick and dying, bringing comfort and healing to those in need. He fed, sheltered, and doctored hun- dreds of families. Let us continue to pray that the Mercy Cross Center will be a source of help, hope, and healing to those who enter its doors and, as we reflect on the life of St. Martin de Porres, let us strive to emulate his spirit of humility, compassion, and love. In doing so, we honor not only his memory but also the timeless values he embodied -- values that have the power to transform our world for the better. Prayer for St. Martin de Porres O Lord Jesus Christ, Who inflamed the heart of Saint Martin with an ardent love of the poor and Who taught him the wonderful joy of true humility and the wisdom of always submitting to God’s Holy Will, grant that, like him, we may be ever truly hum- ble of heart and full of Christlike charity for suffer- ing humanity. We thank You for having raised Blessed Martin to the High Dignity of Sainthood that, by imitating the holy life and enjoying the pow- erful help of this great saint, the whole world may be drawn nearer to You, the Savior of the human race, Who live and reign with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit forever. Amen. St. Martin de Pores, pray for us! SEE BISHOP’S SPANISH COLUMN, PAGE 8 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.