-- Last updated: 1:00 p.m., Friday, May 23, 2003

	Most Reverend Robert C. Morlino © Ferraro Studio 1999

The Holy Father, Pope John Paul II, has named the Most Reverend Robert C. Morlino Bishop of the Diocese of Madison.

Bishop Morlino, 56, becomes the fourth bishop of Madison, succeeding Bishop William H. Bullock, who has served as Bishop of the Diocese of Madison since 1993. Bishop Bullock submitted his resignation at age 75 in accord with Canon Law on April 13, 2002.

Bishop Bullock's Successor Named May 23, 2003 Effective May 23rd, 2003 at 6:00 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time, Pope John Paul II has appointed Most Reverend Robert C. Morlino, up to now Bishop of Helena, Montana, as the fourth Bishop of Madison. History of the Diocese of Madison The Diocese of Madison, established in 1946 and now in its 57th year, has 267,000 Catholics in the 135 parishes of its eleven counties, served by 109 active diocesan priests. Most Reverend William P. O'Connor, the first and founding Bishop of Madison, was given the task of gathering the parishes, priests, and people of seven counties from the Archdiocese of Milwaukee and four counties from the Diocese of La Crosse, to form the new Diocese of Madison. Bishop O'Connor served the Diocese of Madison as its first Bishop from 1946 until his retirement in 1967. Most Reverend Cletus F. O'Donnell, former auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of Chicago, served the Diocese of Madison as its second bishop from 1967 until his death in 1992. (Auxiliary bishop Most Reverend George O. Wirz served as diocesan administrator from April 1992 until June 15, 1993.) Bishop O'Donnell was entrusted with implementing the provisions of the Second Vatican Council in the Diocese of Madison. Most Reverend William H. Bullock, former auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of Saint Paul-Minneapolis from 1980 until 1987 and then Bishop of Des Moines, Iowa from 1987 until 1993, was appointed the third Bishop of Madison on April 13, 1993 and has served for 10 years. Bishop Bullock's task was to help move the Diocese of Madison into the new millennium. The New Bishop Now, three years into the Third Millennium, Most Reverend Robert C. Morlino, at 56 years of age, will lead the Diocese of Madison as its fourth Bishop, potentially for 19 years until he reaches the mandatory retirement age for bishops of 75 years.

Bishop Morlino has served the past four years as Bishop of the Diocese of Helena, a diocese covering the western and north central third of the state of Montana. The diocese, established in 1884, covers 52,000 square miles and has a total population of over 425,000, including over 67,000 Catholics. The diocese has 58 parishes and 39 missions. St. Helena Cathedral, in the city of Helena, is a state monument and arguably one of the most beautiful cathedrals in the United States.

Robert C. Morlino was born December 31, 1946, in Scranton, Pennsylvania. An only child, his father died while he was in high school, his mother in 1980. He was raised in northeastern Pennsylvania, graduating from Jesuit High School in Scranton.

He entered the seminary for the Maryland Province of the Society of Jesus, and was ordained to the priesthood for that Jesuit Province on June 1, 1974.

His education includes a bachelor's degree in Philosophy from Fordham University, a master's degree in Philosophy from the University of Notre Dame, the Master of Divinity Degree from the Weston School of Theology in Cambridge, Mass., and a doctorate in Moral Theology from the Gregorian University in Rome, with specialization in moral theology and bioethics.

Father Morlino taught Philosophy at Loyola College in Baltimore, St. Joseph University in Philadelphia, Boston College, the University of Notre Dame and St. Mary's College. He served as an instructor in continuing education for priests, religious and laity and as director of parish renewal programs.

In 1981, Father Morlino became a priest of the Diocese of Kalamazoo and served there as Vicar for Spiritual Development, Executive Assistant and Theological Consultant to the Bishop, as Moderator of the Curia, and as the Promoter of Justice in the Diocesan Tribunal. He served as administrator of a number of parishes, and as rector of St. Augustine Cathedral in Kalamazoo.

Father Morlino was scheduled to begin a full-time faculty appointment as professor of theology at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit when, on July 6, 1999, Pope John Paul II appointed him the ninth Bishop of Helena.

Bishop Morlino currently serves as chairman of two committees within the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops - the Bishops' Committee on the Diaconate, which deals with matters concerning the ministry of permanent deacons in the Church in the United States, and the Ad Hoc Committee on Health Care Issues and the Church, which assists the bishops in responding to moral and theological questions surrounding specific health care situations in their dioceses.

Bishop Morlino was "surprised and stunned" by the appointment, saying to those in the Diocese of Helena, "There is a great deal of sadness in my heart at the thought of leaving people whom I love. Make no mistake, I will miss all of you and you will always have a special place in my love, in my heart, and in my prayers."

Seeing this new phase of his life as the unfolding "mysterious plan" of God, he said, "This moment, like every moment, forcefully calls us to renew our faith in Divine Providence. I go forth again in the unknown, but I will go forth confident in the strength of the Lord, and therefore with joy, because the Joy of the Lord must always be our strength."

"I do look forward to living out in the Diocese of Madison that special bond with priests, deacons, religious sisters, and God's faithful people which is the Lord's generous gift to the Bishop," he said.

Bishop Robert C. Morlino's Biography

The Bishop's Coat of Arms Most Reverend Robert C. Morlino Bishop of Helena For his personal arms, His Excellency, Bishop Morlino, has adopted a design that his life and heritage as a priest and now as a bishop would suggest. These arms are composed of a blue field on which is displayed a gold crescent that is surrounded by twelve silver stars, to reflect the bishop's intense devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, the woman of Revelation Chapter 12 with "the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars." Our Lady's Assumption and her presence in Heaven, body and soul with the Lord, is the goal that each Christian strives to achieve and it is towards that goal that Bishop Morlino, as a shepherd of God's Holy Flock, strives to lead those entrusted to his pastoral care. The dignity of the human body as sharing in the dignity of the human person, as destined for risen glory, is central to the bishop's proclamation of the Gospel. In the upper left (chief dexter) is a golden sunburst that is charged with the monogram of The Holy Name (IHS with cross). This is the seal of the Society of Jesus (The Jesuits) and it is used to indicate that Bishop Morlino spent seventeen years, full time, in Jesuit education and formation, and was ordained a Jesuit priest, before answering God's call to serve the Faithful as a priest of the Diocese of Kalamazoo. That fact is represented by the use of the silver Native American "peace pipe," taken from the arms of Kalamazoo, and now joined with another pipe to acknowledge the bishop's call to serve the people of the Diocese of Helena where native Americans were the first to receive the gift of The Faith. For his motto, Bishop Morlino has selected the phrase "VISUS NON MENTIETUR." This phrase, which is taken from the Second Chapter of the Old Testament Book of Habakkuk (Habakkuk 2:3), is translated "the vision will not disappoint." In these words, His Excellency, Bishop Morlino, expresses the solid foundation of all Christian doctrine: the revelation of Jesus Christ is the only sure anchor of our hope, the only vision which will never disappoint. The device is completed with the external ornaments which are a gold Episcopal processional cross, which is placed in back of the shield and which extends above and below the shield, and a pontifical hat, called a "gallero," with its six tassels, in three rows, on either side of the shield, all in green. These are the heraldic insignia of a prelate of the rank of bishop by instruction of The Holy See of March 31, 1969.

Robert C. Morlino was born December 31, 1946, in Scranton, Pennsylvania. He is the only child of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Morlino. His father died while he was in high school, his mother in 1980. He was raised in northeastern Pennsylvania, graduating from Jesuit High School in Scranton.

He entered the seminary for the Maryland Province of the Society of Jesus, and was ordained to the priesthood for that Jesuit Province on June 1, 1974, by Lawrence Cardinal Sheehan at Loyola College Chapel in Baltimore, Maryland.

His education includes a bachelor's degree in Philosophy from Fordham University, a master's degree in Philosophy from the University of Notre Dame, the Master of Divinity Degree from the Weston School of Theology in Cambridge, Mass., and a doctorate in Moral Theology from the Gregorian University in Rome.

Father Morlino taught Philosophy at Loyola College in Baltimore, St. Joseph University in Philadelphia, Boston College, the University of Notre Dame and St. Mary's College. He served as an instructor in continuing education for priests, religious and laity and as director of parish renewal programs.

In 1981, Father Morlino became a priest of the Diocese of Kalamazoo and served there as Vicar for Spiritual Development, Executive Assistant and Theological Consultant to the Bishop, as Moderator of the Curia, and as the Promoter of Justice in the Diocesan Tribunal. He served as administrator of St. Mary Parish in Niles, St. Ann Parish in Gull Lake, and St. Ambrose Parish in Delton, Michigan. Since July 1991 he was the rector of St. Augustine Cathedral in Kalamazoo. He had served as part-time theology professor at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit since 1990 and was scheduled to begin a full-time faculty appointment there in the fall of 1999.

On July 6, 1999, Pope John Paul II appointed Fr. Robert Morlino as the Ninth Bishop of Helena.

Remarks from Milwaukee Archbishop Dolan

STATEMENT OF THE MOST REVEREND TIMOTHY M. DOLAN,
ARCHBISHOP OF MILWAUKEE, ON THE APPOINTMENT
OF THE NEW BISHOP OF MADISON, MAY 23, 2003

	Milwaukee Archbishop Dolan

Along with my brothers, Bishop William Bullock and Bishop George Wirz, and with the other bishops of the dioceses of Wisconsin, I heartily welcome the appointment of the Most Reverend Robert Morlino as the new Bishop of Madison, and am grateful to the Holy Father for sending us such a capable shepherd.

I have known Bishop Morlino for years, and have long admired his priestly virtue, pastoral leadership, and theological depth. In all his previous service to Jesus and His Church, Bishop Morlino has won the hearts and souls of his clergy and people. We wish him God's Holy Spirit as he accepts this new apostolic mandate.

This is a good time to renew our gratitude to Bishop William Bullock for his years of generous, faithful service to the great Diocese of Madison. He leaves Bishop Morlino an evangelically vibrant diocese that will never forget his dedicated pastorate. We look forward to Bishop Bullock's continued wise presence for many years to come . . . and wish him the best in a well-deserved retirement.

Most Reverend Timothy M. Dolan
Archbishop of Milwaukee

Remarks from Bishop Bullock

REMARKS ON THE APPOINTMENT OF
BISHOP ROBERT C. MORLINO AS BISHOP OF MADISON

MOST REVEREND WILLIAM H. BULLOCK

May 23, 2003

	Bishop Bullock

Just 10 years ago, in April 1993, Bishop George Wirz, administrator of the Diocese of Madison, welcomed me as the third Bishop of Madison.

Today I have this privilege to welcome the fourth Bishop of Madison, Bishop Robert Morlino, formerly Bishop of Helena, Montana.

Pope John Paul II has favored the Diocese of Madison by choosing a bishop well qualified as leader, scholar, and shepherd. Pope John Paul has given us a man who loves priests and people, a man of intellect and study, a man of early experience to be our new shepherd to the 267,000 Catholics in the Diocese of Madison.

This is his day! It is a day that marks a new beginning for him and for us. I am grateful to our Holy Father, Pope John Paul II, for sending such a young, capable, and spirit-filled bishop. I am personally pleased at his selection and offer my pledge of prayer and support in the years ahead.

The Diocese of Madison is a significant diocese, moving to meet the challenges of the Third Millennium with a plan in our pocket, a prayer in our heart, and zeal for all that God will ask of us.

Remarks from Bishop Wirz

REMARKS ON THE APPOINTMENT OF
BISHOP ROBERT C. MORLINO AS BISHOP OF MADISON

MOST REVEREND GEORGE O. WIRZ

May 23, 2003

	Auxiliary Bishop Wirz

This is a day of welcome and thanksgiving - another historic time for the Diocese of Madison and the whole community of southwest Wisconsin. We give thanks for Bishop William Bullock, as we welcome and wish every blessing on Bishop Robert Morlino, fourth Bishop of Madison.

We are grateful for the unique gifts of each of our bishops. Bishop Bullock's special mission has been to prepare the Diocese spiritually for the transition to the Third Millennium of Christianity. He has inspired us to pray and worship. He has bravely faced gigantic challenges, both in the world and in the Church. The Diocese of Madison has grown to 267,000 Catholics, more than three times the number at its founding in 1946.

Accordingly, Bishop Bullock has brought the Diocese up-to-date to equip it for the future. Numerous departments have been strengthened. The creation of the Bishop O'Connor Catholic Pastoral Center has united all the agencies of the Diocese, so that the spiritual mission of Jesus might more effectively reach every corner of the Diocese.

Before Bishop Bullock, Bishop Cletus O'Donnell became our bishop only two years after the conclusion of the Second Vatican Council. As Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Chicago, he had played a strong role at the Council with Cardinal Albert G. Meyer. Bishop O'Donnell's special mission is epitomized by his own inaugural statement: "My mission is to bring to life the teachings of the Council."

Bishop William P. O'Connor came to Madison as our first bishop in 1946. His special mission as founder and unifier can never be repeated.

The entire community welcomes Bishop Morlino with the joy of knowing that he comes as our new leader and servant, pastor and friend.

Remarks from Msgr. Swain

STATEMENT OF MSGR. PAUL J. SWAIN, VICAR GENERAL,
ON THE APPOINTMENT OF
MOST REV. ROBERT C. MORLINO AS BISHOP OF MADISON

	Msgr. Swain

It is with enthusiasm and anticipation that we greet and welcome Bishop Morlino to Madison. He comes with an impressive and varied background that fits well the uniqueness of the Diocese of Madison. He is well prepared to build on the many accomplishments of Bishop Bullock. I know I speak for all the priests of the diocese in thanking Bishop Bullock for his 10 years of strong, courageous pastoral and spiritual leadership in challenging times. I join all Catholics in the 11 counties of our diocese in pledging our support, cooperation and prayers for Bishop Morlino in the days and years ahead.

Remarks from Fr. Stillmank

REMARKS ON THE APPOINTMENT OF
BISHOP ROBERT C. MORLINO AS BISHOP OF MADISON

FR. JOHN G. STILLMANK
MODERATOR OF THE CURIA

May 23, 2003

	Fr. Stillmank

The last 10 years in the history of the Diocese of Madison have been historic, vibrant ones, thanks to the person and ministry of Bishop William H. Bullock. By his faithfulness to the Church, his love for the priests and people of the diocese, his pastoral witness and his sound leadership, Bishop Bullock has worked hard to bring the Diocese of Madison into the Third Millennium of Christianity, helping us to be more faithful disciples of the Lord Jesus. I am grateful to have been a part of his 10 years of service as our bishop to the Diocese of Madison.

Today marks once again a new beginning. I know that our new shepherd, Bishop Robert C. Morlino, will continue along the path on which Christ has set all our feet. As Bishop O'Connor unified the diocese at its beginning, as Bishop O'Donnell began to implement the vision of the Second Vatican Council, as Bishop Bullock furthered the mission of Christ in so many ways entering the Third Millennium, I am confident that Bishop Morlino will continue the work that Jesus has entrusted to his Church, especially in the persons of his apostles' successors: calling the members of the Body of Christ to a deeper holiness, to a more involved witness, to a stewardship of the many gifts we have received from God, and to a wider sense of the relevancy of the Gospel message in our local church and in the secular community of the Madison area.

Welcome, Bishop Morlino! May you find the priests of the Diocese of Madison to be faithful servants of the Gospel and willing co-workers with you, and may the people of the Diocese embrace you as you make your home with us and begin your service of apostolic ministry in our midst.