Located just across the street from the beach in Biloxi, the St. Michael's Catholic Church stands as a testament to the changing times the region has witnessed. Dating right back to before the Vietnam War, Biloxi has sheltered many immigrants who sought refuge in its shores after the war. St. Michael's allowed these men, who over the course of time took up fishing and shrimping as their occupation, to conduct masses in their own language until they were able to build a house of worship of their own.
The unique location of the Church is also reflected in its architecture. Frequented by the fishermen and shrimpers of the region, this church was also popularly called the "Fisherman's Church". The aquatic theme is best represented by the unique dome which is fashioned to resemble a sea-shell. Crafted of lightweight concrete, the dome covers both the nave and the baptistery. The stained glass windows depict the twelve apostles who were none but fishermen themselves. The church can also accommodate up to fifty parishioners at a time. The unique 6 foot altar has seen many a worshipper bow their heads in prayer. The church is also regarded as somewhat of an oddity in the region which is dominated by casinos.
The hurricane which swept through Biloxi on August 29, 2005, had a devastating impact on the region. However, the St. Michael's Catholic Church holds the miraculous reputation of being the only structure that survived the storm. Although much of it was destroyed, including the entry doors and the stained glass windows along the first floor, the structure was still strong enough to allow the church to be repaired. The kneeling statute of the Virgin Mary and the crucifix before which it was placed still stand, just as they used to before the hurricane.
Rev. Kelly now conducts masses for the St. Michael parishioners at the Christ the King Church and services are also held at the Vietnamese Martyrs' Church.
Worshippers can also participate in the annual Katrina Walk which begins at Our Mother of Sorrows Catholic Church, proceeds to Blessed Francis Seelos Catholic Church, and then to the Vietnamese Martyrs Catholic Church, concluding at St. Michael's Catholic Church. A decade of rosary is prayed at each church during the walk. For details, you can call 435-0007.
St. Michael's Catholic Church
10601 Daisy Vestry Rd
Ocean Springs, MS 39565
Phone: 228-435-5578
