To Rome:
Diocese plans Pilgrimage of Prayer and Praise

By Mary C. Uhler
CATHOLIC HERALD STAFF

MADISON -- The Diocese of Madison is planning an Ad Limina Pilgrimage of Prayer and Praise to Rome May 27 to June 3, 2004.

The pilgrimage will accompany Bishop Robert C. Morlino as he travels to Rome for his visit Ad Limina Apostolorum (meaning "to the threshold of the apostles").

Accompany bishop

"Every five years bishops go to Rome for their ad limina visit," explained Dr. Patrick Gorman, director of the diocesan Office of Worship. "The bishops of Wisconsin, Illinois, and Indiana will be going to Rome May 27 to June 3. The pilgrims from our diocese will accompany Bishop Morlino."

Fr. Tait Schroeder, parochial vicar at St. Dennis Parish in Madison, will serve as spiritual adviser for the pilgrimage. Father Schroeder recently studied in Rome at the North American College.

Gorman said the pilgrimage is open to any interested persons but will be limited to about 110 participants. Bishop Morlino has invited diocesan seminarians to participate and a small choir will also take part in the pilgrimage.

Pilgrimage highlights

The pilgrims will attend daily Mass in Rome's key basilicas. Of special note are Masses on the vigil of Pentecost in St. Peter's Square and Sunday Mass at St. John Lateran. Those participating will also attend the Wednesday general audience with the Holy Father (depending on his schedule). There will be a special private tour of the ancient burial site of St. Peter and the early Christians below St. Peter's Basilica.   Full story ...

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MADISON -- On Nov. 12, by a one-vote margin, the State Assembly failed to override Governor Jim Doyle's veto of Assembly Bill 475, which would have modified Wisconsin law to clarify that marriage in Wisconsin is limited to one man and one woman.

AB 475 originally passed the Assembly on a vote of 68-29 and the State Senate on a vote of 22-10. While AB 475 received significant bi-partisan support in both houses of the legislature, the Assembly was unable to garner sufficient support to override the governor's action.

Support for marriage

In response to the recent activity, Wisconsin Catholic Conference (WCC) Executive Director John Huebscher offered some reflections on the debate in Wisconsin.

"The recent veto of Assembly Bill 475, also known as the Definition of Marriage bill, does not overshadow the tremendous expressions of support for the value of marriage that this debate engendered among Wisconsin citizens and legislators," said Huebscher.

"In no way do we believe that the veto of this bill signifies a defeat for the sanctity of the institution of marriage. Wisconsin law honors the relationship of husband and wife as unique and will continue to do so," he emphasized.

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