Bishop Louis F. Kihneman III receives a trophy honoring him for being selected as Biloxi’s Citizen of the Year for 2024 from Biloxi Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gillich, who received the award in 2023. Photo/Juliana Skelton

By Terry Dickson

BILOXI – Bishop Louis F. Kihneman III was honored as the Biloxi Citizen of the Year for 2024 at a luncheon held February 19 at the Biloxi Visitors Center. The annual awards presentation has been hosted by the Biloxi Lions Club since 1931.

Bishop Kihneman, who was ordained as the Fourth Bishop of Biloxi in 2017, is only the second member of the Catholic clergy to receive this prestigious award. The first was Msgr. Geoffrey O’Connell, who was honored in 1947. Sister Mary Riordan, R.S.M., also received the award in 2002.

Biloxi Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich, who was named Biloxi Citizen of the Year in 2023, presented a proclamation recognizing the bishop for his efforts in addressing homelessness. In particular, the proclamation highlighted the establishment of the Mercy Cross Center, which opened in May 2024 at the former Mercy Cross High School Gymnasium.

The proclamation read: “Recognizing the needs of the homeless, Bishop Kihneman collaborated with Catholic Charities of South Mississippi, the City of Biloxi, Harrison County, and nonprofit organizations to develop a comprehensive support system. Through his vision, the Mercy Cross Center was established, providing housing assistance, meals, laundry services, counseling, and essential support. In its first 30 days, the center helped 70 individuals transition from homelessness to stability.”

Since its opening, the Mercy Cross Center has assisted 91 individuals in finding more stable housing. The outcomes include:

22 people received bus tickets to reunite with family members.
57 secured housing either independently or with the help of Catholic Charities and other organizations.
18 individuals chose to enter rehabilitation for addiction.
9 relocated out of state to pursue new opportunities.
1 entered an inpatient care facility.

Mayor Gilich praised Bishop Kihneman’s dedication, saying, “I’ve been in awe of Bishop Kihneman every time we’ve worked together. His energy, focus, and vision are truly inspiring. This recognition is very special.”

Father Adam Urbaniak, Vicar General of the Diocese of Biloxi, also commended the bishop. “Bishop Kihneman is nothing short of a visionary. When he sees a need or an opportunity, he doesn’t just acknowledge it—he acts. He brings his team together and makes it happen,” Father Urbaniak said. “Once he sets his mind to something, you know that whatever the challenge may be, it will become a reality.”

Jennifer Williams, Director of Catholic Charities for the Diocese of Biloxi, highlighted the bishop’s leadership. “Bishop Kihneman has provided direction and challenged us to grow both professionally and personally. The work happening behind the scenes in our diocese is a direct result of his vision.”

Bishop Kihneman accepted the award on behalf of Biloxi’s homeless and the Mercy Cross Center. “It’s such a blessing for us who work there,” he said. “What started as a day center has evolved into a transitional center for the homeless. Over 500 people have passed through the Mercy Cross Center, and more than 100 individuals have been moved off the streets. This shows what’s possible when we truly care about those in need.”