Canonical Establishment for Our Lady of the Pearl

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


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.

Date of Canonical Establishment

The date of canonical establishment for Our Lady of the Pearl Secular Franciscan Fraternity 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.