Bishops' Schedules: Bishop Robert C. Morlino Thursday, May 13, 2004 Attend "Planning the Dialogue Between Healthcare Officials and the Bishop," Archbishop Cousins Catholic Center, Milwaukee Friday, May 14, 2004 10:00 a.m. -- Guest Presenter, Educational Day for Parish Youth Ministry Leaders, Bishop O'Connor Catholic Pastoral Center, Madison Saturday, May 15, 2004 4:30 p.m. -- Preside and Preach at Celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation, St. Matthew Parish, Shullsburg Sunday, May 16, 2004 10:00 a.m. -- Preside and Preach at Celebration of the Eucharist, St. Raphael Cathedral, Madison Wednesday, May 19, 2004 7:00 p.m. -- Preside and Preach at Celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation, Nativity of Mary Parish, Janesville Bishop William H. Bullock, Bishop Emeritus Thursday, May 13, 2004 6:00 p.m. -- Attend Annual Bishop's Dinner, Madison Serra Club, Bishop O'Connor Catholic Pastoral Center, Madison Sunday, May 16, 2004 10:30 a.m. -- Preside and Preach at Celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation, St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, Madison Bishop George O. Wirz, Bishop Emeritus Thursday, May 13, 2004 6:00 p.m. -- Attend Annual Bishop's Dinner, Madison Serra Club, Bishop O'Connor Catholic Pastoral Center, Madison Saturday, May 15, 2004 5:15 p.m. -- Preside and Preach at Celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation, St. Bernard Parish, Watertown

Month of May: Reflections on Mary and Pope John Paul II

		Under the Gospel Book + Bishop Robert C. Morlino

Dear Friends,

As I prepare my column for the Catholic Herald - it is in fact Thursday, May 6th - it strikes me that two weeks from today I shall be leaving for the "Ad Limina" visit to the tombs of Peter and Paul and to the living successor of Saint Peter, Pope John Paul II.

In fact, I will have to cut my time in Rome short somewhat, in order to return for the installation of my successor as Bishop of Helena, Montana, The Most Reverend George L. Thomas. Bishop Thomas is a good friend and I ask you to remember him generously in prayer as he begins his ministry as Bishop in Helena. The fact that I am his immediate predecessor and that we are good friends more than suggests my presence in Helena.

"While no particular type of devotion to Mary is necessary for us as Catholics, our loving affection for her as her special daughters and sons is certainly necessary. As a matter of fact Jesus considered her relationship to us so important that it was even from the cross that He gave her to us with the words, 'Behold your mother'."

Shortly after the installation in Helena, there will take place the summer meeting of the United States Bishops Conference. I must tell you honestly that as the beautiful weather of springtime is beginning to blossom here, it is particularly difficult for me to go on the road, but regrettably I don't have much choice. Suffice it to say that I would be extremely happy to be here with you welcoming in that unofficial beginning of summer over Memorial Day and what will follow.

Reflections on Mary Our Mother

It would be far worse than negligent for me to fail to offer some reflections in honor of Mary Our Mother during this her special month. Mary, of course, enjoyed from the moment of her conception in the womb of her mother Saint Anne a very special privilege. She was kept free from sin so that she would be a vessel worthily prepared to receive God's own Son who would later come in the flesh.

Mary in this mystery of her Immaculate Conception was preredeemed - that is God, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, living outside of time, applied to her being the fruits of the resurrection long before the resurrection took place. Mary is living proof that all time belongs to God and that He does with it as He wishes.

So when the Word of God took flesh in the womb of His mother Mary, Mary became the first one to know her Savior and she walked with Him in joy and in great sorrow throughout the rest of His life. She was the only one to know Him from the moment of His conception. Of course she was there with Saint Joseph his foster father when he was born. She was there at the foot of the cross. And she was there when the Holy Spirit came upon her and the apostles at Pentecost and gave birth to the Body of Christ the Church.

Mary, the exemplar of faith

It is not only fitting but necessary that Mary be honored as Mother of the Church and model of the Church just as she is honored and venerated as the Mother of God, the Mother of Christ. All of these special privileges and gifts, which cost her a great deal of suffering as has been indicated, were not forced on her but were freely accepted by her - "Let it be done to me according to your Word."

Mary's freedom in accepting God's generous privileges and gifts for our salvation was essential to God's saving plan, and so we call Mary's special part in our salvation her essential maternal cooperation. It is for this reason that we always acknowledge her as the greatest Christian, the perfectly holy human being, the exemplar of faith.

While no particular type of devotion to Mary is necessary for us as Catholics, our loving affection for her as her special daughters and sons is certainly necessary. As a matter of fact Jesus considered her relationship to us so important that it was even from the cross that He gave her to us with the words, "Behold your mother."

And so during this month of May, but all through the year, let us never forget the powerful intercession which is available to us through Mary as we continue to seek Jesus. As the one who knew Him best, the greatest Christian, and perfect in holiness, no one can show us the magnificent face of her Son like Mary His Mother and our Mother can.

Special prayers for the Holy Father

It is also good for me to ask at this time your special prayers for our Holy Father whom with God's help I will have the blessing to visit in a very short time. The Holy Father celebrates his 84th birthday this month, and again despite physical weakness and frailty he continues strong in mind and heart as Shepherd of the Universal Church.

He is the direct successor of Saint Peter. He is the Vicar of Christ on earth. He does have universal, complete, immediate, and ordinary teaching authority and that authority serves our communion and solidarity. Both in his person and in his office the Holy Father is an incredible gift to every human being, especially those of us who are blessed to be Catholic Christians.

Renewing our sentiments of devotion

During this time of the Bishops' visit to Rome all of us might examine our conscience as to the reverence, the respect, and the affection in which we hold our Holy Father. That reverence, respect, and affection is really the only option for an authentic Catholic, and when I see the Holy Father, I will be pledging him our unfailing faithfulness, our truly loving obedience, and our heartfelt affection all the time and without reservation.

Let us renew those sentiments of devotion to the Vicar of Christ on earth and Bishop of Rome during these days of our Bishops' visit to the Vatican. Please keep myself and my brother Bishops in your good prayers for always deeper faith, health, and safety in these travels and know that you will have a special place in our prayers particularly when we are privileged to visit the holy places.

Thank you for reading this. God bless you and may every generous blessing of this Easter season continue to be yours in great abundance. Praised be Jesus Christ!

Official Appointments:

Most Reverend Robert C. Morlino wishes to the announce the following appointments, effective June 30, 2004:

Rev. Randy J. Budnar, in addition to Pastor, Holy Rosary Parish, Darlington, to Administrator, St. Joseph Parish, Gratiot, and St. John Parish, South Wayne.

Rev. Kevin F. Dooley, from Pastor, St. Barnabas Parish, Mazomanie, and St. John the Baptist Parish, Mill Creek, to Pastor, St. Paul Parish, Evansville, and St. Augustine Parish, Footville.

Rev. Michael J. Doro, from Pastor, St. John Vianney Parish, Janesville, to Pastor, St. John the Baptist Parish, Montello, and Good Shepherd Parish, Westfield.

Rev. John H. Hedrick, from Pastor, St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Parish, Portage, and St. Mary Help of Christians Parish, Briggsville, while remaining Pastor, St. Mary of the Holy Rosary Parish, Pardeeville, and St. Andrew Parish, Buffalo.

Rev. Donn J. Heier, from Pastor, St. Rose of Lima Parish, Brodhead, and St. Patrick Parish, Albany, and Administrator, St. Paul Parish, Evansville, and St. Augustine Parish Footville, to Pastor, St. John Vianney Parish, Janesville.

Rev. Richard M. Heilman, from Pastor, St. John the Baptist Parish, Montello, and Good Shepherd Parish, Westfield, to Pastor, St. Ignatius Parish, Mt. Horeb and St. Mary Parish, Pine Bluff.

Rev. Jason E. Hesseling, from Parochial Vicar, St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Parish, Portage, St. Mary Help of Christians Parish, Briggsville, St. Mary of the Holy Rosary Parish, Pardeeville, and St. Andrew Parish, Buffalo, to Pastor, St. Barnabas Parish, Mazomanie, and St. John the Baptist Parish, Mill Creek.

Rev. James H. Murphy, from Pastor, St. Augustine Parish, Platteville, to Pastor, St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Parish, Portage, and St. Mary Help of Christians Parish, Briggsville.

Rev. O. Charles Schluter, in addition to Pastor, St. Mary Parish, Platteville, to Pastor, St. Augustine Parish, Platteville,

Rev. Roger Taylor, in addition to Pastor, St. John the Baptist Parish, Muscoda, and St. Joseph Parish, Avoca, as Pastor, St. Malachy Parish, Clyde.

Rev. Jacob Vadakkekudy, to Pastor, St. Rose of Lima Parish, Brodhead and St. Patrick Parish, Albany.

Msgr. Paul J. Swain
Vicar General