Canonical Establishment for Our Lady of the Pearl

Canonical Establishment

After a long wait of almost ten years and a hurricane or so, Our Lady of the Pearl has been approved for canonical establishment. The date of our canonical establishment is set for August 23, 2008. It will be held at 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Center, Pearlington, MS. Friends and family are invited.

St. Joseph Church was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina with only the steps remaining. The Center is towards the back of the grounds.

Archbishop Rodi Signs Official Documents for Canonical Establishment

The dream of Our Lady of the Pearl members for canonical establishment began before the first members were professed on October 17, 1999. This long and rigorous journey is coming to an end at last. Approval has been given by St. Teresa of Avila, our sponsoring fraternity in New Orleans, St. Joan of Arc Region and the Provincial Delegate of the OFM.

In the final step in the approval process for canonical establishment, members of Our Lady of Pearl met with Archbishop Thomas Rodi in Biloxi, Mississippi, on July 8, 2008. The Archbishop signed the official documents, also giving his approval. The canonical establishment and the Mass have been set for August 23rd.





Pictured above, sitting from left to right, Carol Heavey, SFO, Eileen Chapoton, SFO, Archbishop Thomas Rodi, and Bobbye Maggio, SFO. Standing from left to right, Bob Palmer, SFO, Ouida Tomlinson, SFO, Ann Seale, SFO, and Patty Palmer, SFO.

News of Our Canonical Establishment

We have learned that our Bishop has approved our canonical establishment. We are very grateful and are awaiting news of the next step.



The photos of the white deer are for Bob and Patty who have been blessed with visits of beautiful white deer on their farm.

Canonical Establishment

On February 26, 2008, Fr. Loren Connell, OFM, Provincial Spiritual Assistant, contacted Our Lady of the Pearl to give us the joyful news that we have been approved for canonical establishment. His approval and recommendation goes to the bishop of our diocese for his approval. This is our final step in this process.

Come, let us sing to the Lord

and shout with joy to the Rock who saves us.

Let us approach him with praise and thanksgiving

and sing joyful songs to the Lord.

Come, then, let us bow down and worship,

bending the knee before the Lord, our maker,

For he is our God and we are his people,

the flock he shepherds.

Psalms 95:1-3, 6-7