Our Story

How it all started...

The Bellevue and Oak Grove areas have enjoyed tremendous growth in their residential neighborhoods over the past 25 years. Over the same period of time, Pine Belt priests, Catholics, and the Catholic Diocese of Biloxi have been interested in building another church in the area . The Diocese of Biloxi then identified a  specific need in the West Hattiesburg / surrounding areas based on the continued growth and development in the region. That led to the question of ‘where?’ with an area in such a growth boom, if ‘the dream’ church could ever be reality.
The generosity of one man answered both questions. Richard Fabian McCarthy donated the property on which the church will be constructed. This community will always be indebted to Richard McCarthy for his foresight and benevolence. Hence, Saint Fabian Parish was born.

Expanding the vision...

Why Saint Fabian?
The name Fabian is significant to the McCarthy family. Richard McCarthy received the middle name Fabian from a close friend of his parents, Sister Fabian, a Mercy Sister. He requested that the church be named in her honor.

Who is Saint Fabian?
Fabian was a Roman layman who came into the city from his farm one day, as clergy and people were preparing to elect a new pope. He wanted to observe and experience the election of a pope. Eusebius, a Church historian, says a dove flew in and settled on the head of Fabian. This sign united the votes of clergy and laity, and he was chosen unanimously as the new Pope.
He led the Church for 14 years and died a martyr’s death during the persecution of Decius in 250 A.D. St. Cyprian wrote to his successor that Fabian was an “incomparable” man whose glory in death matched the holiness and purity of his life.
Catholic saints are holy people and human people who lived extraordinary lives. Each saint the Church honors responded to God’s invitation to use his or her unique gifts. God calls each one of us to be a saint.
In the catacombs of St. Callistus, the stone that covered Fabian’s grave may still be seen, broken into four pieces, but still bearing the Greek words, “Fabian, bishop, martyr.”

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