- Kielce Gussie read Acts of the Apostles at Pope Francis' historic funeral service
- Mount St. Mary’s theology graduate combines faith with youth-focused media work
- Vatican internship bridges religious communication gaps for digital-native audiences
Kielce Gussie, an American journalist for Vatican News, became part of papal history by delivering the first English-language reading during Pope Francis' funeral rites. The Florida native’s selection underscores the Vatican’s growing emphasis on multilingual outreach in global Catholic ceremonies.
A 2019 theology graduate of Maryland’s Mount St. Mary’s University, Gussie strategically paired communication courses with religious studies. This dual focus aligns with emerging trends in faith-based organizations seeking professionals who can translate theological concepts into engaging digital content. Recent data shows 63% of dioceses now prioritize media-trained staff for evangelization roles.
Industry Insight: The Global Catholic Education Report 2024 reveals a 41% increase in theology students minoring in media fields since 2020. Institutions like Mount St. Mary’s now offer hybrid programs addressing this demand, exemplified by Gussie’s path from classroom to Vatican internships.
Professor Mary Catherine Kennedy, who mentored Gussie, highlights the strategic value of such training: Today’s religious communicators must craft content that resonates across TikTok and traditional parishes alike. Kielce’s work demonstrates how theological depth enhances digital storytelling.
Regional Case Study: Florida’s Catholic youth engagement initiatives—where Gussie first developed her media interests—have seen 28% higher participation rates in communities using Instagram-based prayer campaigns compared to text-only approaches. This success mirrors her goal to revitalize sacramental education through interactive platforms.
As Gussie pursues her Licentiate in Rome, industry analysts note a critical shortage of bilingual content creators in Catholic media. Her planned internship with EWTN or Catholic Bytes positions her to address this gap, particularly for English/Spanish audiences representing 34% of global Catholics.
The funeral reading from Acts 10:34-43—a passage emphasizing universal salvation—symbolizes both papal priorities and Gussie’s career vision. Vatican liturgists confirm this marked the first English interpretation of this text at a papal funeral, reflecting modernization efforts while maintaining doctrinal integrity.
