This painting was obtained from the Poland convent of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy, where Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska was reported to have a vision of Jesus Christ in 1931. (Catholic Herald photo by Mary C. Uhler)

Mercy: First gift of Risen Christ

By Mary C. Uhler
CATHOLIC HERALD STAFF

MADISON -- Forgiveness and mercy are the first gift of the Risen Christ to his disciples, Bishop Robert C. Morlino reminded those present for the Mass marking Divine Mercy Sunday, April 18, at St. Raphael Cathedral.

The cathedral was filled for the ninth annual Mercy Sunday Mass held in the Diocese of Madison. People stood in line for confessions well into the Mass, which was followed by Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament and recitation of the Chaplet of Divine Mercy.

Divine mercy

When the Holy Father - inspired by the generous love of Mother Faustina - started the Divine Mercy Sunday observance, some people considered it a distraction from the Easter liturgy, noted Bishop Morlino in his homily.

But he said the Holy Father was inspired by the Gospel of the day. The Gospel says the first fruit of the Resurrection is forgiveness, observed Bishop Morlino. "Mercy came forth from the cross."

"Jesus gave the apostles the Holy Spirit for the forgiveness of sins," said Bishop Morlino.

Doubting Thomas

The Gospel reading for this Sunday tells the story of "doubting Thomas." He did not believe Jesus rose from the dead until he saw and felt his wounds in Christ's glorified body.  Full story ...

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By Mary C. Uhler
CATHOLIC HERALD STAFF

MADISON -- "My top priority is the promotion of priestly vocations. We have every reason to be encouraged, because God is calling men from all eternity today."

That is what Bishop Robert C. Morlino told members of the Beloit, Janesville, and Madison Serra Clubs and the Southwest Vocations Club on March 19 at the Bishop O'Connor Catholic Pastoral Center.

Families and vocations

The bishop said there is "no question that Satan has waged an incredible attack on the church," including attacks on marriage and on the priesthood with the sexual abuse scandals.

He emphasized that "good priests come from good families." If the family is weakened, the number of priests declines. If the family background is not strongly Catholic, he said, there's more work to do in priestly formation.

Bishop Morlino said that while God "never creates and promotes evil," he "permits evil and draws good out of evil." He said we should not be discouraged or shrink back from encouraging men to become priests. Instead, "we should turn up the effort."   Full story ...