Bishops' Schedules: Bishop William H. Bullock Friday, October 1, 2004 8:00 a.m. -- Attend Fifth Annual "Edgewood in the Community" Service Day, Edgewood High School, Madison Saturday, October 2, 2004 4:45 p.m. -- Preside and Preach at Celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation, St. Patrick Parish, Janesville Sunday, October 3, 2004 10:30 a.m. -- Preside and Preach at the Celebration of the Eucharist, 150th Anniversary of the Laying of the Cornerstone, St. Raphael Cathedral, Madison Tuesday, October 5, 2004 10:30 a.m. -- Preside and Preach at Celebration of the Eucharist, Meriter Commons, Madison Bishop George O. Wirz Friday, October 1, 2004 7:00 p.m. -- Preside and Preach at Celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation, Holy Redeemer Parish, Madison

After surgery: Each day Christ the Teacher offers something new

		Under the Gospel Book + Bishop Robert C. Morlino

Dear Sisters and Brothers All in the Lord,

I am writing this letter on Thursday, September 23rd, two days after my fifth anniversary of ordination as Bishop and one day after my first week anniversary of surgery.

"The truth of the suffering of Christ which alone proves the truth of His love has of course come home to me in countless new ways."

At the moment I remain in the final stages of the recovery time that properly takes place in the hospital. And I must say that the staff and especially the doctors and nurses at St. Marys, in particular those who have assisted me very powerfully, have been a wonderful gift to me, and there is no question what a gift St. Marys Hospital is to the Diocese of Madison.

I have been telling people that "I'm hanging in there," or alternately, that "I'm awfully well for the shape that I am in." In fact, I am better and stronger each day, thanks be to God. I am taking more frequent walks than I ever did prior to surgery, and I have a high hope that when the convalescence period is complete I will have renewed energies with which to serve you.

A gift from God

Of course, all of this has been a gift from the Lord. It was unique to spend my anniversary of ordination as Bishop recovering from surgery. The truth of the suffering of Christ which alone proves the truth of His love has of course come home to me in countless new ways.

It is also a humbling thing simply to be in the hospital for so many reasons. And yet each day Christ the Teacher has had something new and precious to offer. And each day I have tried to keep alert so as not to miss whatever communication He might be offering me, "heart to heart."

Links to articles about Bishop Morlino's heart surgery: Sept. 23 edition: • Breaking news: Bishop Morlino released from hospital (Posted: 9/27/2004) • Bishop recuperating from heart surgery • Msgr. Swain's column: An inventory on how well we love God Sept. 16 edition: • Breaking news: Bishop Morlino in stable condition following heart surgery (Posted: 9/16/2004) • Bishop's column: Upcoming surgery: Remember God never ceases to be in control • Vicar general and bishops: Offer prayers and support to Bishop Morlino Breaking news from Sept. 9 edition: • Bishop Morlino undergoes heart surgery Sept. 15 (Posted: 9/15/2004) • Bishop to have heart surgery (Posted: 9/10/2004)

All is in the hands of Christ

In any event I want you to know that as I promised, you have been in my prayers daily along with all the families of our Diocese and in particular the petition of our need for priestly vocations. I so look forward to returning to your midst, especially at the liturgical assemblies. I so look forward to getting back to the normal rhythms of daily life. And yet all is in the hands of Christ and it will happen in His time rather than in mine.

I am grateful that the Lord has gifted me with successful surgery and with good progress afterward, and I would never want to take those gifts for granted focusing my attention rather on something else. So please join me in grateful prayer in the days ahead.

Testament to communion as Church

Last but not least, I can't tell you how grateful I am for the greetings, good wishes, the flowers, and other gifts that have bombarded the Pastoral Center, so many of the communications coming from people whom I have never met face to face.

It is a great testament to the truth of our communion as Church - it doesn't depend on whether or not we know one another well - the bond is deeper than all of that forged by Christ himself through the daily work of His Holy Spirit among us.

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

Bishop Morlino was discharged from St. Marys Hospital on Friday, September 24, and continues his convalescence privately.