Father Jeff Bayhi and Father Chuck Swanson recently visited St. Stephen Church in Bentonville to discuss ways to support victims of human trafficking. They are the founders of Metanoia Manor, a residential facility in Louisiana that provides a place of refuge for young women who have been victims of human trafficking by supporting them with mental, physical, and spiritual health, instruction in academics, life skills and job training.
Father M. Jeffery Bayhi, a native of Baton Rouge, La., was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Baton Rouge on May 26, 1979, at St. Patrick Church in Baton Rouge, LA. He received his degree in Psychology at St. Joseph Seminary in St. Benedict, LA; his Master of Divinity at Notre Dame in New Orleans, and his doctorate in pastoral counseling from Graduate Theological Foundation in Donaldson, Ind. Father Bayhi has written several books, the first being a book of reflections, “Then Comes the Morning”, the second is “Paved with Souls” written on his experiences while working with Mother Teresa and the Missionaries of Charity in Calcutta. His time with Mother Teresa ultimately concluded with him giving her last rites.
Father Chuck Swanson is from Omaha, Nebraska. He was previously the pastor of Holy Cross where he is best known for the welcoming environment he cultivated. From greeting visitors at the start of Mass to beginning the now annual Spaghetti Dinner, Father Chuck emphasized reaching out to one another and our neighbors. He initiated the Stewardship Program to encourage people to give of their time, talent and treasures. Believing in stewardship himself, Father Chuck volunteers as chaplain for the Omaha Fire Department and the Omaha Police Department.
