To the editor:
During 2014 we celebrate the sesquicentennial commemoration of the Venerable Fr. Samuel Mazzuchelli’s death. On February 23, 1864, after a sick call near Benton, Father Mazzuchelli died as he lived — bringing Christ to others.
The sesquicentennial celebration will extend from February 23 to November 4 of this year. There will be pilgrimages, special Masses, and more. Additional information can be found by calling the Sinsinawa Dominican Archives 608-748-4411, emailing Sr. Betty Kugi at bkugi@sinsinawa.org, or by visiting www.sinsinawa.org
As a former Benton pastor, I feel in my heart that Father Mazzuchelli was a brother-priest who generously shared his God-given talents. He ministered to the Indians until they were moved westward. Then he served the thriving mining region of the tri-state area.
Father Mazzuchelli also assisted Bishop Mathias Loras during his first years as Dubuque’s bishop. He worked extensively in what is now the Diocese of Madison. He founded over 30 parishes and built over 20 church buildings, civic buildings, and schools. In 1847, he founded the Sinsinawa Dominican Sisters.
People from the Dioceses of Madison, Rockford, Dubuque, and other areas pray daily for his beatification. May the sesquicentennial commemoration of his death and life inspire us to imitate Christ as he did and open ways to share evangelization’s fresh new wine.
Fr. Don Lange, Platteville