Bishops' Schedules: Bishop Robert C. Morlino Events will be reassigned due to Bishop Morlino's surgery: Sunday, September 19, 2004 10:30 a.m. -- Preside and Preach at Celebration of the Eucharist, St. Raphael Cathedral, Madison Tuesday, September 21, 2004 11:00 a.m. -- Attend Corporate Board Meeting, Bishop O'Connor Catholic Pastoral Center, Madison 6:30 p.m. -- Guest Presenter for Theology-On-Tap, Club Majestic, Madison Wednesday, September 22, 2004 6:30 p.m. -- Preside and Preach at Celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation, St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, Madison Thursday, September 23, 2004 5:30 p.m. -- Keynote Speaker, Veritas Society Benefit Reception, Madison Club, Madison Bishop William H. Bullock, Bishop Emeritus Saturday, September 18, 2004 5:00 p.m. -- Preside and Preach at Celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation, St. John Vianney Parish, Janesville

Upcoming surgery: Remember God never ceases to be in control

		Under the Gospel Book + Bishop Robert C. Morlino

Dear Friends,

As we begin the regular school year and season of other ordinary business, I am struck by the way in which God reveals himself to us through surprises.

I was not only surprised but even shocked to be named the Bishop of Helena, Montana, when I expected to go and teach full-time in the Detroit Seminary. I was almost equally surprised when I received the appointment from our Holy Father to be with you, my present family, in the Diocese of Madison.

"I'm hoping that a symphony of praise and prayer will rise up to the Lord who will be very much in control in the days ahead."

In recent days a third surprise has come into my life. In the weeks ahead I will have to undergo heart surgery to correct an abnormal heart valve. The exact timing and details of the surgery will become clear in the near future after some further testing. The recovery from the surgery is projected to be in the vicinity of eight weeks. Beyond that, I cannot offer any greater detail at this point because many specifics are yet to be determined.

But I did want to let you know at the earliest moment - I informed our priests at the September 9th gathering of priests, wanting them to be the first to know and now I am writing to you.

Trust in God's Providence

Needless to say I have many feelings about this present situation. I feel badly and even somewhat guilty that I will have to be "off the job" for the recovery time. We have to pick up steam as we move into the future as a Diocese, and this kind of time lapse seems not to be helpful in terms of that forward movement.

I certainly am also dealing with ordinary human fear. And yet these feelings are placed in the context of trust in God's Providence, a Grace that I do receive, and one which I hope to grow in every blessed day. And like our Holy Father I want to be able to thank God for this next significant stage in my own spiritual journey. I do believe that God does not only what is for our good, but in fact what is for our best, and this is a blessed opportunity for that faith to be confirmed in me.

Related articles: From Sept. 16 edition: • Breaking News: Bishop Morlino in stable condition following heart surgery • Vicar general and bishops: Offer prayers and support to Bishop Morlino Breaking news from Sept. 9 edition: • Bishop Morlino undergoes heart surgery Sept. 15 • Bishop to have heart surgery

In need of prayerful support

Needless to say I stand very much in need of the support of your prayers at this particular time, for the future of our Diocese and for myself. Prayer makes all the difference, and this is certainly a time for you to support your shepherd through prayer. I'm hoping that a symphony of praise and prayer will rise up to the Lord who will be very much in control in the days ahead.

One of the difficulties of major surgery is entering into a period where one has absolutely no control. The good news is that God never ceases to be in control. As I ask you to pray for me, I will continue to offer my prayers and whatever pain or suffering is associated with this surgery for you and your loved ones and all of God's blessings on our Diocese especially the blessing of an increase in vocations to the priesthood.

So in the days ahead let us be together in prayer and I will do my best to keep you posted as details unfold in this particular matter.

Thank you for reading this and God bless each one of you.

Vicar general and bishops:
Offer prayers and support to Bishop Morlino

MADISON -- In light of the announcement about his pending heart surgery, Bishop Robert C. Morlino met with the diocesan vicar general and bishops emeriti on Friday, Sept. 10.

Vicar General Msgr. Paul J. Swain with Bishop William H. Bullock and Bishop George O. Wirz discussed plans for dealing with diocesan matters during Bishop Morlino's surgery and recuperation (no details were available at press time Sept. 13).

Related articles: From Sept. 16 edition: • Breaking News: Bishop Morlino in stable condition following heart surgery • Bishop's column: Upcoming surgery: Remember God never ceases to be in control Breaking news from Sept. 9 edition: • Bishop Morlino undergoes heart surgery Sept. 15 • Bishop to have heart surgery

Monsignor Swain said, "On behalf of all the priests and people of the Diocese of Madison, we assure Bishop Morlino of our continued prayers and support."

Bishop Bullock said, "My words to him are twofold: 'Follow the lead of your physicians and get well.'" During the convalescent period Bishops Bullock and Wirz have assured Bishop Morlino of their willingness to accept commitments for Confirmation or other events.

"Knowing the Diocese of Madison as I do, the outpouring of good wishes and prayers of priests, sisters, and laity will be abundant," said Bishop Bullock. "I personally pledge my prayerful presence to Bishop Morlino and to be of assistance to the Vicar General Msgr. Paul Swain in the weeks of convalescence. May Mary, Mother of the Church, and St. Anne watch over Bishop Morlino in the days ahead. God speed him to a full recovery."