Bishops' Schedules: Bishop Robert C. Morlino Friday, Dec. 8, 2006 12:00 noon -- Preside and Preach at Celebration of the Eucharist, Holy Day Mass, Feast of the Immaculate Conception, St. Patrick Church, Madison Saturday, Dec. 9, 2006 5:15 p.m. -- Preside and Preach at Celebration of the Eucharist, Our Lady of Guadalupe Mass, St. Joseph Church, Madison Sunday, Dec. 10, 2006 11:00 a.m. -- Preside and Preach at Celebration of the Eucharist, Stational Mass, St. Patrick Church, Madison 4:00 p.m. -- Preside and Preach at Sacrament of Confirmation, St. John the Baptist Parish, Waunakee Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2006 12:00 noon -- Attend and speak at 50th Anniversary Lunch, Janesville Serra Club, Janesville Country Club, Janesville Bishop William H. Bullock Sunday, Dec. 10, 2006 10:00 a.m. -- Preside and Preach at Eucharist and Sacrament of Confirmation, St. Rose of Lima Parish, Cuba City Monday, Dec. 11, 2006 12:00 noon -- Preside and Preach at Celebration of the Eucharist, Bishop O'Connor Catholic Pastoral Center, Madison Bishop George O. Wirz Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2006 12:00 noon -- Preside and Preach at Celebration of the Eucharist, Bishop O'Connor Catholic Pastoral Center, Madison

Under the Gospel Book + Bishop Robert C. Morlino There is no column by Bishop Robert C. Morlino this week.

FORT BENNING, Ga. -- At the recent meeting of the Board of Visitors of the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation (WHINSEC), Bishop Robert C. Morlino was elected Chairman of the Board, replacing Ambassador Jose S. Sorzano, who has been serving as chairman and who was term-limited as to continued board membership.

The election of Bishop Morlino was unanimous, with the exception of his own abstention from the vote. Bishop Morlino expressed surprise at his nomination for the chairmanship that exceeded his surprise at being invited to membership on the board in the first place.

The board members, including the congressional representatives, made it clear that in electing Bishop Morlino they sought to emphasize the priority of ethics, human rights, democracy, and civilian leadership of the military in the education offered at WHINSEC.

Bishop Morlino commented, "One of my priests recently wrote to me about my membership on the board calling it an expression of authentic Catholic patriotism. As one who was exempted from the draft when I entered the seminary in the 60s, I am grateful for the opportunity to serve my country in a significant way.

"At the same time, I take most seriously the charge symbolized by my election as Board Chairman, to assure that issues of ethics and human rights always remain top priority, as WHINSEC carries out the mission received from the Congress of the United States."