LAUREN WOOD | THE NATCHEZ DEMOCRAT — Bishop Joseph Latino of the Catholic Diocese of Jackson blesses the Bishop John Chanche prayer garden with holy water during the dedication ceremony Tuesday afternoon on the grounds behind the Rectory of St. Mary Basilica. Bishop Chanche was the first bishop of Natchez from 1841 to 1852.

LAUREN WOOD | THE NATCHEZ DEMOCRAT — The exhumed remains of Bishop John Chanche, the first bishop of Natchez, now rest in the prayer garden behind the Rectory of St. Mary Basilica.

LAUREN WOOD | THE NATCHEZ DEMOCRAT — Rev. David O’Connor smiles as he welcomes guests in attendance for the dedication and blessing of the bishops’ prayer garden on the grounds behind the Rectory of St. Mary Basilica Tuesday afternoon.

LAUREN WOOD | THE NATCHEZ DEMOCRAT — A small crowd listens to Bishop Joseph Latino Tuesday afternoon as he speaks about Bishop John Chanche, the first bishop of Natchez, who lies at rest in the bishops’ prayer garden behind the Rectory of St. Mary’s Basilica.