Year: 2015

On
Chris Lee

Bishop O’Connor Center prepares for changes

MADISON — While not officially a done deal yet, the redevelopment plans for the Bishop O’Connor Center (BOC) in Madison are inching closer to reality.

This month, many items, including furniture and other items from the BOC, were given away to parishes, schools, and other organizations in the diocesan area.

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On
Abbot Marcel Rooney, OSB

Adaptation and renewal of Religious Life

Reflections on Religious Life column by Abbot Marcel Rooney

Editor’s note: During this Year of Consecrated Life, this is the first in a series based on the Second Vatican Council’s document, Perfectae Caritatis (Decree on the Adaptation and Renewal of Religious Life) written by Abbot Marcel Rooney, OSB, former abbot primate of the Benedictine order who now resides in Madison.

Pope Francis has declared this year as one to be dedicated to the Life of Religious Consecration.

This is not a one-sided emphasis, since this is also the year of the Synod of Bishops which will be dedicated to the discussion of married life. It is important to see both ways of life as at the heart of the whole Church’s life and calling to witness Jesus.

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On
Tony Magliano

Protecting unborn in a ‘throw-away culture’

What a sight! Over 25 times from the top of Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., I have seen a sea of people marching to proclaim the dignity of unborn human life and how death-dealing abortion sends the unholy message that some human beings are disposable.

As I write, I plan to march with and view that sea of people once again during the 42nd annual March for Life on January 22. It’s always a moral and spiritual shot-in-the-arm for me.

We have to do more

But good as they are, the Washington March for Life and the Walk for Life West Coast in San Francisco, as well as dozens of similar events at state capitols throughout the U.S., are simply not enough.

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On
George Weigel

Nonsense on 60 Minutes

60 Minutes, the CBS News “magazine” that helped redefine television journalism, prides itself on challenging conventional wisdom, discomfiting the comfortable, kicking shibboleths in the shins, and opening new arguments.

No such challenge, alas, was evident in the program’s recent segment on Pope Francis.

The ‘Francis effect’

One of the principal interviewees in that piece was Robert Mickens, formerly of the London-based Tablet and currently of the National Catholic Reporter. Here’s a part of what Mickens had to say about the “Francis effect”:

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On
Kevin Wondrash

Winter market and brunch

MADISON — Connect with local farmers and stock up your winter pantry at the Winter Market & Meals for Hope on Sunday, Feb. 1, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Blessed Sacrament Church, 2121 Rowley Ave. in Madison.

This family-friendly market showcases the growing number of area farmers championing sustainable and organic agriculture and connecting the community with locally grown food.

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On
Kevin Wondrash

Bishop Morlino celebrates Candlemas liturgy

MADISON — On Monday, Feb. 2, Bishop Robert C. Morlino will celebrate Candlemas, in the traditional Roman liturgical calendar the Feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary, with a Pontifical Mass at the Throne in the chapel of the Bishop O’Connor Center at 7 p.m.

Bishop Morlino will bless candles brought by parishes and people before Mass. All are invited.

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On
Lynn Scullion

Thanks to those who helped save lives

To the editor:

Another year: Yes, some lives were saved, yes because of prayer, and yes because of ultrasounds seen by mothers before they chose abortions.

Thanks to the Knights of Columbus and all people who donate and pray and vote for people who are pro-life, so that our tax money does not pay for abortions and that our tax money does not pay to fund organizations that perform abortions.

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