LEXINGTON, Ky. — Father Jim Sichko is well known in Kentucky for his giving spirit. Now he may become more famous for his special sauce.

Father Sichko, a Papal Missionary of Mercy on assignment from Pope Francis, announced Delta Air Lines will feature his "Miss Marie's Spaghetti Sauce in 11 Delta Sky Clubs across the country.

Father Sichko created the sauce to honor his late mother Marie. All proceeds from Miss Marie's Spaghetti Sauce go to help feed the poor in Appalachia and help with the needs of Southeast Texas Hospice in Orange, Texas, Father Sichko's hometown. 

 "We're delighted that we're going to start serving Miss Marie’s Spaghetti Sauce in some of our Sky Clubs,” Ed Bastian, CEO of Delta, said in a statement. “I know this is something that is very close to Father Jim’s heart. I know there's tremendous good that he’s been able to do with the proceeds from Miss Marie's Sauce and I could not be happier that we, together, will be able to bring to our customers what we know is special about you and your family and the connection that we share."

Delta Sky Clubs in Cincinnati, Detroit, Boston, and Atlanta will serve the sauce."

It wasn't just the Kentucky Proud product announcement that took place. Father Sichko presented $10,000 to Southeast Texas Hospice and the Catholic Diocese of Lexington. A few Lexington-area chefs were given round trip tickets on Delta to anywhere they wanted to fly as a "thank you" for their efforts during the pandemic. 

Father Sichko was joined by Kentucky's agriculture commissioner Ryan Quarles, Bishop John Stowe of the Diocese of Lexington, Mary McKenna of Southeast Texas Hospice, Chef Ouita Michels and representatives of Delta Air Lines Inc.