MADISON — As Catholics of the Diocese of Madison mourn the loss of Bishop Robert C. Morlino, many are asking what happens next.
“In the coming days, weeks, and years, those questions will be answered in due course,” said a statement issued by the Diocese of Madison.
Most immediately, the diocese needs a diocesan administrator to serve prior to the appointment of the fifth bishop of Madison by Pope Francis.
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| Fr. Steve Grunow |
In the weeks prior to the celebration of Christmas, many Christians will sing “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel,” a traditional hymn of the Advent season that implores:
O come, O come, Emmanuel
And ransom captive Israel
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appear
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel!
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel . . .
It seems to be a stringing together of liturgical antiphons, derived from scriptural texts, which originates in the 12th century.
With flute, harp, and grand organ, the Madison Diocesan Choir and director Dr. Patrick Gorman will celebrate Advent with a Lessons & Carols concert on Sunday, Dec. 16, always a joyful event as Christmas draws near, although a sad occasion for many this year.
In the past 15 years that I’ve known Bishop Robert C. Morlino, one of the strongest memories of him is the deep sense of gratitude he showed to me and many others with whom he worked.
One of my last one-on-one conversations with him was marked by that gratitude. He thanked me for all I do as editor of the Catholic Herald and praised our paper as “one of the best” in the country. (He often told his staff at our monthly catechesis sessions that we were the best staff in the country.)
He then concluded our conversation by saying, “God love you.”
All Saints Parish will present a Live Nativity on Saturday, Dec. 8, from 2 to 6 p.m. in the parking lot of the Fortifi Bank, 140 W. Huron St.
St. John the Baptist Parish in Montello and Good Shepherd Parish in Westfield are again presenting an evening of Lessons and Carols on Wednesday, Dec. 12, at 6:30 p.m. at St. John the Baptist Church in Montello.
WAUNAKEE — Who doesn’t like a beautiful quilt? Every quilt is different, colorful, and as unique as the people who create them. Quilts also add a warm, country flair to any décor, and for the St. John’s (Waunakee) Piecemakers Quilt Club, this year’s raffle quilt has special pizzazz.
The quilt named “Van Gogh Pizzazz” will be raffled off on Monday, Dec. 17, at 7:30 p.m. in the St. John’s Gathering Room, and proceeds will go to the St. John’s School Endowment Fund.
MADISON — The Most Reverend Robert Charles Morlino, age 71, Bishop of the Diocese of Madison, passed away on Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018 at 9:15 p.m. in SSM St. Mary’s Hospital, Madison, Wis.
MADISON — The Most Rev. Robert C. Morlino, Bishop of Madison, died Saturday, November 24th, at approximately 9:15 pm at St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison. He was 71 years old. Please pray for the repose of his soul, for his friends and coworkers, and for all of the faithful of the Diocese of Madison.
Following is a statement from the Diocese of Madison:
As Catholics of the Diocese of Madison mourn the loss of our beloved bishop, many have asked questions about what happens next.
