News Briefs: Apostolate to Handicapped seeks donations MONROE -- With the proclamation, "When the wheelchairs get down to four, that's the time to buy some more," Msgr. Thomas Campion, director of the Apostolate to the Handicapped, recently announced a financial fundraising campaign to purchase 24 new wheelchairs. The Apostolate provides wheelchairs to individuals in need of them, at no charge, with the stipulation that chairs no longer needed are returned for future use by others. In his announcement, Monsignor Campion noted that the cost of the wheelchairs will be around $7,000 and the Apostolate at the present time does not have the budgeted financial resources to cover the purchase of new wheelchairs. Individuals or organizations wishing to make a financial donation toward the cost of new wheelchairs may send a check to the Apostolate to the Handicapped, P.O. Box 443, Monroe, WI 53566. Checks should be marked "wheelchair fund" and made payable to the Apostolate to the Handicapped. St. Mary Parish marks 150th anniversary PINE BLUFF -- St. Mary Parish of Pine Bluff will be celebrating its 150th anniversary with a Mass on Sunday, June 27, at 1:30 p.m. with Bishop Robert C. Morlino presiding. Concelebrating will be Fr. James Bartylla, current pastor; Fr. Dan Volkert, former pastor; and Fr. Thomas Coyle, parish priest son. A reception in St. Mary School Auditorium will immediately follow the Mass. Previous pastors, sisters who served the parish, and those who grew up in the parish have been invited to attend. The parish is publishing a history book that will be printed after the celebration. Anyone interested in purchasing these books may order them at the celebration. Eucharistic Adoration for vocations MADISON -- Eucharistic Adoration for vocations will be held in the chapel of the Bishop O'Connor Catholic Pastoral Center beginning at 11 a.m. and concluding before the 12 noon Mass on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. It is being sponsored by the diocesan Office of Vocations. Fr. Bernard Rott celebrates silver jubilee WATERTOWN -- Fr. Bernard E. Rott, pastor of St. Henry Parish in Watertown, will celebrate his silver jubilee of ordination to the priesthood on Sunday, June 20, with a Mass at 2:30 p.m. at St. Henry Church. A reception will be held in St. Henry Parish Center following the Mass. Outdoor labyrinth in Sun Prairie SUN PRAIRIE -- St. Albert the Great Parish, 2420 St. Albert Dr., now has an outdoor labyrinth available to walk at any time. It is located behind the church cut into the lower lawn. The parish will also be holding a Mary of Magdala Celebration on July 20 at 7 p.m.
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Ad Limina Pilgrimage of Prayer and Praise: to the City of Saints Peter and Paul

By Mary C. Uhler
CATHOLIC HERALD STAFF

(See also front page photos.)

ROME, Italy -- Our Ad Limina Pilgrimage of Prayer and Praise actually began at the Bishop O'Connor Catholic Pastoral Center in Madison on Thursday, May 27.

Bishop William H. Bullock, bishop emeritus, blessed the pilgrims on the bus as they prepared to drive to Chicago to catch their international flight to Rome.

Bishop Bullock's blessing

"We have a phrase that will comfort you," said Bishop Bullock. "You're in good hands with Father Tait." He was referring to Fr. Tait Schroeder, parochial vicar at Madison's St. Dennis Parish, who served as spiritual adviser for the pilgrimage.

Related items: • Bishop's column • Photo of bishops meeting with pope • Editorial

Bishop Bullock prayed, "Rome is the place we intend to visit, a monument to the devotion of the people of God. Many have gone there in great numbers to be strengthened in the Christian way of life and to become more determined to devote themselves to the works of charity. We bring something to the faithful who live there: our example of faith, hope, and love."

He prayed that God would "remain with your servants on this holy pilgrimage to Rome and guide their way in accord with your will . . . bring them to their destination in safety."

Bishop Bullock gave the pilgrims three different holy cards with prayers for the journey. The pilgrims sang "Faith of Our Fathers" as they concluded the service.

Trip to Rome

Dr. Patrick Gorman, trip organizer and director of the diocesan Schola Choir accompanying the pilgrimage, discussed logistics of the trip with the pilgrims. He noted that the tour guide from Peter's Way Tours, Ambra (Amber in English), would meet the group at the airport in Rome.

He explained that five seminarians studying for the Diocese of Madison and four musicians were among the 49 participants on the pilgrimage.

After two smooth flights on British Airways, the pilgrims did arrive safely in Rome. Father Schroeder offered a brief prayer, "Dear Father, we give you thinks and praise for bringing us safely to this eternal city. Let us be open to what you want to show us. Saints Peter and Paul, pray for us."

The pilgrims checked into their rooms at the modern Jolly Carpegna Hotel.

Santa Maria in Trastevere

Then they traveled by bus to the historic Church of Santa Maria in Trastevere for their first Mass, where they worshiped with a similar pilgrimage group from the Archdiocese of Milwaukee.

Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan of Milwaukee greeted the pilgrims, "Am I ever happy to see people from Milwaukee and Madison. Thank you, thank you for your presence. What better way to begin our pilgrimage than at this sacred spot. This is one of the most ancient churches in western Christendom dedicated to our Blessed Mother. Let's ask her blessings on this pilgrimage."

In his homily, Auxiliary Bishop Richard J. Sklba of Milwaukee compared the Wisconsin pilgrims to St. Paul. "He came to Rome to preach the Gospel of freedom to Christians in Rome. He came to evangelize and share the faith. Similarly, we come from our own local churches. We have received the faith and we come to this city, nourished by the apostles. As a people united in faith, we hear the Gospel as if we never heard it before and ask, 'What does it say to us?'"

Vatican, Pentecost Vigil

On Saturday, May 29, the Madison pilgrims enjoyed a tour of St. Peter's Basilica, the Vatican Museums, and the magnificent Sistine Chapel. Father Schroeder led the group in prayer at the tomb of St. Peter in the basilica. We prayed several prayers for the intentions of the Holy Father.

The Wisconsin pilgrims attended a Pentecost Vigil Vespers Service in St. Peter's Square on Saturday evening. Pope John Paul II presided at the hour-long service.

The square was filled with energetic pilgrims from throughout the world, many waving red scarves and flags. They included members of Charismatic Renewal and youth groups. The Madison group had tickets for seats, but most of them were already taken. So we stood among the throngs of people from throughout the world. Although we didn't always know the words, we caught the spirit of the songs and prayers, joining in clapping and waving red scarves given to us by members of Charismatic Renewal groups.

Fortunately, there were large screens available around St. Peter's Square for people to watch the Holy Father. At the conclusion of the vespers, the pope rode through the crowd, kissing babies presented to him.

Dinner with Bishop Morlino

After the Pentecost Vigil service, the Madison pilgrims returned to their hotel. At the front door they were greeted by Bishop Robert C. Morlino, who joined them for dinner.

Bishop Morlino apologized for not being with the pilgrims as he had intended. "I am disappointed that I can't remain here," he said. He explained he had to return to Madison briefly before going to Helena, Mont., for the installation of the bishop who is his successor there.

"I had to compress my business appointments in Rome," he explained, saying it was due to the Holy Father's appointment of the new bishop. "I defer to him," he said.

Bishop Morlino said it's a "joy to welcome you." He reminded the pilgrims that "when anyone comes to Rome in faith, the Lord has a blessing for you. The Lord has a special gift for you. You may find it here or when you're back home. Look for it. It will not disappoint.

"God love you. Stay safe, healthy, and strong in the faith," said the bishop. He bought the pilgrims wine and water as a gift and enjoyed the dinner with them.

Mass at St. John Lateran

On Sunday morning, May 30, the Madison pilgrims attended Mass at St. John Lateran, the seat of the bishop of Rome (the pope).

In his homily, Father Schroeder said, "As we gather at this sacred time of the solemnity of Pentecost, we recall that we, too, are gifted by the Holy Spirit."

He noted that the Apostles and Mary were gathered in the upper room. When the Spirit came, they began to speak in tongues so all could understand them. "It's the same Spirit we ask for today. The Holy Father said that is the link we have with the Apostles. It's the same Spirit that dwells in our hearts."

St. Peter's Square is the new upper room for us, said Father Schroeder. "We in a sense had our own experience of the first Pentecost. And today as we gather in this basilica, the cathedral of Rome, we, too, are called to receive the Holy Spirit and go out to proclaim the wonders of God."

At this and all Masses during the pilgrimage, prayers were offered for the bishops, priests, seminarians, and people of the Diocese of Madison and for other needs in the church and the world.

Sunday included a tour of St. Peter in Chains Church as well as famous sites in ancient Rome.

Rosary in Vatican Gardens

On Sunday evening, the Wisconsin pilgrims were privileged to pray the Rosary in the private Vatican Gardens. The gardens take up about one-half of the Vatican's 108 acres.

People walked slowly up the hills, passing beautifully-tended trees and flowers. They processed up to a replica of the Shrine to Our Lady of Lourdes. Archbishop Dolan began leading the Rosary with the first of the Glorious Mysteries. Father Schroeder led the second decade and others continued the Rosary.

It began to rain along the way. Fortunately many pilgrims were prepared for the change in weather. They pulled out raincoats and umbrellas, sharing with those around them.

Basilica of Saint Mary Major

On Monday, May 31, the Wisconsin contingent met again for Mass at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major on the Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Archbishop Dolan noted, "Mary was the first witness to Christ to Elizabeth, her kinsman. We gather in an ancient temple where Mary has been venerated since the fourth century."

Homilist was Fr. Michael G. Witczak, rector of Saint Francis Seminary in Milwaukee. Archbishop Dolan asked for Mary's intercession on this Memorial Day for peace and for all who serve in the armed forces. The archbishop invited married couples to come forward for a special blessing.

In the afternoon Madison pilgrims went on a tour of the Scavi, the excavations underneath St. Peter's Basilica. They viewed the bones of St. Peter, which have been placed in a special plastic box designed by NASA. Seminarian Ron Nelson from Portland, Ore., a student at the North American College, was tour guide.

Visit to Assisi

On Tuesday, June 1, the Madison group went to Assisi to view the Basilicas of St. Mary of the Angels, St. Clare, and St. Francis. There are still a few vestiges of the devastating earthquakes of 1996, but most of the buildings have been rebuilt and repaired.

Father Schroeder celebrated a Mass at the Basilica of St. Francis. In his homily he said, "Today, let us along with St. Francis hear God say, 'rebuild my church' in heart and mind. Let us serve the church and others."

Audience with Holy Father

On Wednesday, June 2, Wisconsin pilgrims attended an audience with Pope John Paul II in St. Peter's Square. The Holy Father greeted the Milwaukee and Madison pilgrims and imparted his Apostolic Blessing to those in attendance and their family members back home.

It was a festive day, with several bands and choirs providing music. The Holy Father greeted people in French, English, German, Polish, and Italian.

St. Paul Outside the Walls

On Wednesday afternoon, the Madison pilgrims toured the Catacombs of Santa Domitilla, which include 11 miles of burial spots in four levels. The final Mass of the pilgrimage was celebrated at St. Paul's Outside the Walls, where St. Paul is buried. In his homily, Father Schroeder said we need to heed St. Paul's challenge to be "open to the gifts God has given us" and "stir them into flame."

As a parting gift, the Madison pilgrims gave Father Schroeder money to contribute to the Missionaries of Charity for their work with the poor in Rome.

The group enjoyed a delicious dinner at the Cecilia Matella Restaurant on their final night before departing from Rome early on the morning of June 3. Pilgrims agreed it was a busy, exhausting week, but they would return home spiritually energized.

'Catch the spirit':
Catholic women are told at convention

By Dorothy Lepeska
CATHOLIC HERALD CORRESPONDENT

MADISON -- In his keynote address at the recent Madison Diocesan Council of Catholic Women (MDCCW) held at the Bishop O'Connor Catholic Pastoral Center here, Bishop William H. Bullock, Bishop Emeritus, said that to catch the spirit, we have to be exposed to it.

"Sometimes maintaining that spirit is a very difficult thing," he said. "We want to address a culture of life - respect for life from conception to death and all phases in between. The world around us has a different culture - one of death. It is so easy to catch it. It is one that dictates that you and I look out for ourselves. We are always careful and protective."

He stated, "However, if we catch the spirit of Christ, then we can address the culture of death with a livened spirit that we call the culture of life."

He explained that whatever we do should be done in the name of Jesus. "That is good motivation for everything we do, not only what we do but in the manner in which we do it. Jesus and the God in the Old Testament gave us the motivation in the two great commandments."

Bishop Bullock asked, "What spirit is there in you that motivates you? Enthusiasm sometimes is used for spirit. The word comes from the Greek meaning 'in God.' Genuine enthusiasm means to catch the spirit of God. We gather that spirit and pass it on to future generations."

Renewing diocese

Referring to St. Paul, Bishop Bullock said that the zeal of the spirit caught in the moment of conversion never left him, ever increased, and became more pronounced as he lived out his life.

The Father and Son sent the Holy Spirit to keep us constant in our vision, to enliven us, to lead us through any tribulations, and to renew the face of the earth, he said.

"You women in your various ways have renewed the face of the diocese by catching the spirit of those who have gone before you."

Bishop Bullock stressed, "The grave temptation in our day is to be so oriented to the needs of others who are so vulnerable and so hurting that we forget about the purpose we have with one another and that is to lead that other person to God. Not that there is anything wrong with that. We do have to be sensitive to the needs of others, but we have been called by God to lead others to love God with their whole hearts and minds. Everything centers on God.

"We cannot get holiness unless we focus on Christ. We have to focus on the spirit of God who will heal us. That is what our faith is all about. Our destiny comes together in Christ, not in one another."

Focus on Christ

Since Bishop Bullock said he was sharing from his heart and experiences, he told of an incident with a parish priest in Minnesota.

"After Mass one day a woman parishioner asked him to whom he was preaching in his homilies. She offered him some advice: 'Whenever you get up to preach, remember one thing - give us a new reason to trust in God.'" He has always tried to remember that, he said.

Bishop Bullock explained that we are affected by our environment which has many serious effects on our lives.

"In our television programs we are affected by the culture of death - those things that deaden the spirit dictate that we take care of ourselves. The world worships youth. We have to become counter-cultural - work against that lifestyle that stinks.

"We have to look at our motivation - that the love of Christ compels us to do what we do. We will get healed when we focus outside of ourselves and on Christ. We can hold the hand of someone, but equally important is to lead that person to Christ."

Never lose heart

He asked, "When we were aware of a problem, did we just sit there and never have the courage to say, 'I think you are in trouble'? Why? Because we think we might be rejected, think it is safer to just wait. The love of God compels us to love him, to reach for salvation that he offers each one of us."

He said that he hoped that those who have caught the spirit will never lose heart in our culture of death.

"Bring that enthusiasm to your families, parishes, and to the diocese. Our world is like a great big elephant on its side. It will never get up as long as it concentrates on itself. You and I have to help our world by enlivening it with that spirit that was given to us and pass it on."

Awards given

The afternoon session featured a program on the National Catholic Council of Women (NCCW) Children and a Safe Environment presented by Patricia Smuck from the NCCW. Members were given the information and materials to give two presentations in their respective deaneries in the coming year.

The Alice Krystofiak award given to the youngest attendee was presented to Jennifer Winter, a member of St. Clement CCW in Lancaster.

Dorene Shuda gave the 2004 MDCCW Spirit Award to Linda Rosiejka, convention chairman, for her many activities of the year.

The Grant Deanery Council of Catholic Women will host the 2005 convention.