Bishop Morlino's reflection Pope John Paul the Great: Will not be forgotten Bishop Robert C. Morlino Bishop calls parishioners to worship -- Posted: 4/05/05, 7:38 p.m. Central Time MADISON -- Bishop Robert C. Morlino invited members of the Diocese of Madison to join him in worship this week during the mourning period after the death of Pope John Paul II. Bishop Morlino said he was particularly grateful for those that joined him in participation at diocesan liturgies last weekend - at a special Mass for the Holy Father last Friday on the eve of his death, for those who took part in the Mass at Confirmation at St. Clement Parish in Lancaster Saturday, and to the large crowd which joined him, Bishop Emeritus William Bullock, and retired Auxiliary Bishop George Wirz in a celebration of the pontiff's life on Divine Mercy Sunday at Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish, Madison.   Full story ... -- Posted: 4/05/05, 7:38 p.m. Central Time By Bishop Robert C. Morlino BISHOP OF MADISON Dear Friends, During the last few days, 24/7 as they say, the flow of history has almost seemed to stop as we turned our attention to the dying and the death of Pope John Paul II whom I firmly believe will one day be officially proclaimed both a saint and John Paul the Great. Pope John Paul II First meeting I first met our Holy Father in 1981. Through an unpredictable series of what seemed to be coincidences I had the opportunity to be present for his private Mass during the early days of his inviting people in for that Mass. There were present only five other priests and the Sisters who staffed the household of our Holy Father. Full story ... Article removed: Because of a licensing agreement with Catholic News Service, The Catholic Herald may archive CNS news stories for only 30 days. A CNS article has been removed from this site: Beloved pope: Funeral Mass to be celebrated April 8. A related story was published in the April 7, 2005 print edition (page 14) of The Catholic Herald.

Bishop Robert C. Morlino blesses the sacred chrism and oils to be used in sacraments throughout the Diocese of Madison during the Chrism Mass March 22 at St. Maria Goretti Church, Madison. (Catholic Herald photo by Abigail Henderson)

	Letter of appreciation On March 14, the Diocese of Madison and St. Raphael Cathedral Parish suffered a devastating loss from fire at our spiritual home in downtown Madison. While tragic and life changing, it was tempered by the extraordinary work of the many public servants who came into our lives that day. The courage, professionalism, and kindness of the firefighters and Chief Amesqua were inspiring and reassuring. Madison Police officers gently maintained safety while allowing a pilgrimage of broken hearts to view the scene and share memories. The extraordinary interagency investigation team consisting of federal, state, and local experts worked tenaciously, tirelessly, respectfully, and successfully. When we would thank them for their fine work, the response was always, that's our job. Based on my experience, Madison is in very good hands with these outstanding public servants. I also want to acknowledge the good citizens from J.H. Findorff and others who at personal risk came forward to help stabilize the scene and assist the professionals in their dangerous duties. On behalf of St. Raphael parishioners and the people of the Diocese of Madison, may I express our profound gratitude and admiration for them all. They brought light out of darkness. Msgr. Paul J. Swain, Vicar General, Diocese of Madison Rector, St. Raphael Cathedral, Madison
	News & Features: • Pope: Offers silent Easter blessing, sends written message • Holy Week 2005: Throughout the Diocese of Madison • Bishops: Begin anti-death penalty campaign • Stem-cell debate: No need to destroy any human life Columns: • Question Corner by Fr. John Dietzen -- Mariolatry: Used erroneously in devotion to Mary • Making a Difference by Tony Magliano -- Oscar Romero: Archbishop was a model of courage • Subscribe to print edition

'Listen hard, be changed':
Bishop says at Chrism Mass

By Julianne Nornberg
CATHOLIC HERALD STAFF

MADISON -- We are called to listen hard and be changed.

That's what Bishop Robert C. Morlino, presider, told those gathered for the annual Chrism Mass Tuesday, March 22, at St. Maria Goretti Church in Madison.

At this special Mass during Holy Week, the bishop consecrates the sacred chrism and blesses the oil of catechumens and the oil of the sick. Priests of the diocese also renew their commitment to priestly service.

Each of the 135 parishes in the Diocese of Madison sends representatives to this Mass to take bottles of oil to be used during the Easter triduum and in sacraments during the coming year at the parishes.

"The Chrism Mass is one of the preeminent signs of the unity of the Church - the bishop celebrating the Eucharist with his priests and the people of the diocese," according to the program for this year's Mass. It referred to the fire at St. Raphael Cathedral when it noted that "this year's Mass has special poignancy. While we gather in sadness because of the affliction of our Mother Church, we are also filled with great joy because the Church is not confined to earthly structures nor does God need a Cathedral to do his mighty works."

Expressing gratitude

At the beginning of his homily, Bishop Morlino asked the priests to stand.

"This is one of the few chances we have to express our gratitude from the heart for the service of the priests," he said. "I can't thank them enough for the wonderful things they do day in and day out in times that are difficult for the church. But they're there, as it were, on the job for you and me. We promise them our prayers, cooperation, support, and let's tell them that."

The congregation gave the priests a long standing ovation.

"We could just go on," said Bishop Morlino. "It's so good for you and me to know how much God's faithful people are with us. Thank God for that."

He then asked the seminarians to stand and noted Rev. Mr. Michael Radowicz and Rev. Mr. Eric Sternberg who will be ordained to the priesthood in May. The congregation gave them standing ovations as well.

The bishop said, "Another one who deserves a moment of appreciation from all of us is Msgr. Paul Swain," who also received a standing ovation. "In expressing our gratitude to you, we welcome your and my family members from St. Raphael Cathedral. Your presence here means everything to all of us in the diocese but also to Monsignor Swain and myself."

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