 |
|
As the saying goes, “Politics and religion don’t mix.” Although this cliché is espoused by many, you will not hear it from Pope Francis.
On the contrary, the leader of the Catholic Church firmly teaches that our Gospel-based faith has a wealth of wisdom to offer the often corrupt world of politics. And that it is our duty to strive to infuse that wisdom into the body politic.
MADISON — Pro-life advocates from throughout Wisconsin will march on the Wisconsin State Capitol in support of life on Tuesday, Jan. 22.
The March & Love for Life begins at 11:30 a.m. at the State St. entrance to the Capitol building.
Marchers are asked to bring a package of diapers for donation to children in need.
After the march and diaper collection, participants will urge legislators to promote measures that preserve and protect life.
BARABOO — On Saturday, Feb. 9, all men are invited to the 13th Annual Men’s Retreat hosted by St. Joseph Parish and titled, “Through the Flames”.
Fr. John Sasse will be the featured speaker. The retreat will be held at Durward’s Glen.
Activities during the day include morning Mass, small group discussion, Rosary, Confession, and Adoration. |
|
| Fr. Jim McEnery, a priest of the Diocese of Madison, gives Pope Francis music for an “Ave Maria” that he wrote. Father McEnery is observing 65 years as a priest this year. (Contributed photo) |
A far-fetched idea of offering Holy Mass with Pope Francis ended up a reality for a Diocese of Madison priest — plus getting a hug from the Holy Father.
The occasion: Fr. Jim McEnery, a priest of the Diocese of Madison, and his classmate, Fr. Richard Kuhn of the Archdiocese of Dubuque, are observing their 65th year of ordination to the priesthood this year.
After receiving “how-to” advice from some higher-ups in Rome, and a mailing address provided by Msgr. James Bartylla, then vicar general of the Diocese of Madison, and after waiting months and pretty much giving up on the idea, an email from Pope Francis’ personal secretary finally arrived. It invited them to celebrate “at the Holy Father’s Mass in the chapel of Domus Sanctae Marthae on Monday 12 November next, promptly at 7:00 a.m.”
Father Jim could hardly believe his eye. Not much time to prepare meant scrambling for tickets, but soon he and his classmate were on their way, non-stop Miami-to-Rome on Alitalia, economy class.
On Saturday, their driver picked them up at Leonardo da Vinci Airport. Their small hotel, the Residenze Poalo VI, was about 50 feet from the famous Bernini columns, and not much farther from the Cancello de San’Ufficio, where they were to check in on Monday morning.
Many a cardinal and archbishop had signed the guest register of this hotel, including names like Dolan and Listecki, so it seemed to be “the” place to be. (The restaurant is open until 1 a.m. to accommodate concert goers.)
BELOIT — More than 600 people honored Our Lady of Guadalupe at a lively, yet spiritual celebration on her feast day, December 12.
The evening’s events included a concert by the Mariachi Juvenil del Sur Band from Harvard, Ill., Mass, and a sharing meal featuring Hispanic specialties.
People from Beloit, Janesville, Clinton, and areas of Northern Illinois gathered at Our Lady of the Assumption (OLA) Church for the celebration that is meaningful and part of the heritage to residents in Latin American countries, especially in Mexico.
MADISON — The mission trip is a long-standing tradition, made available only to juniors at Edgewood High School. It is a service immersion experience.
Part of the time students are involved in direct service. Part of the time students are learning about social justice issues such as poverty, homelessness, hunger, incarceration, racism, and immigration.
Part of the time students pray and reflect on their experiences. But, all of the time students are immersed in environments that open their eyes to the realities faced by so many marginalized people in our country.
STOUGHTON — The next “Our Faith Stories” at St. Ann Parish in Stoughton will be held on Sunday, Jan. 6, at 6:30 p.m. in Healy Hall. Those attending will hear about the act of faith and love that Mike Donahue and Jim Cisler have shared with the people of Catarina, Guatemala. Earlier this year, they assisted two Maryknoll Sisters who are also physicians working in Catarina for over 50 years.
Cisler shared that this service made him truly appreciate the many blessings and gifts he has been given. It provides motivation for him to do more for those in need with not only his treasure, but also with his time and talent to be the hands and feet of Christ to others that he can help locally.
|
|
Fifty years ago on Christmas Eve (December 24, 1968), the crew of Apollo 8 entered lunar orbit and began circling the moon — the first time in history for humans to visit another world.
That evening, the crew’s astronauts Bill Anders, Jim Lovell, and Frank Borman, transmitted a live television broadcast including spectacular pictures of the moon just 60 miles below them, and of the Earth — a quarter of a million miles away.
During his homily, Archbishop Jerome E. Listecki of Milwaukee told Transitional Deacon William Van Wagner to ponder three things on the night of his ordination to the transitional diaconate.
MADISON — Seminarians of the Diocese of Madison are planning their annual Caroling Tour at parishes and health care facilities on Friday, Dec. 21, and Saturday, Dec. 22. Locations and times include:
8 to 8:30 a.m. — Sing for diocesan staff at Holy Name Heights, Madison.
9:35 to 10:10 a.m. — Sacred Hearts School, Sun Prairie.
10:45 to 11:15 a.m. — St. Jerome School, Columbus.