Author: Mary C. Uhler

On
Mary C. Uhler

Novena encourages praying Rosary

Early in my life, I learned the value of praying the Rosary from my parents, especially from my father.

During the day, I often noticed him fingering the Rosary beads he always carried in his pocket. He had such a devotion to the Rosary that we had it engraved on his tombstone.

The power of the Rosary was demonstrated during St. Dominic’s time in the 13th century and continues to be seen today. We have learned that not only will the Rosary bring peace to our personal life, but it is also a powerful tool that can bring peace to the entire world.

Read More
On
Mary C. Uhler

Peace begins with each one of us

Editor's View by Mary C. Uhler

Almost daily we hear reports of violence in our nation and the world. We experience sorrow, anger, and fear each time we learn about another shooting.

Eventually, we almost feel numb to the violence. We don’t know what we can do — if anything — in the wake of so much hatred in the world.

Of course, we can and should pray. Pray for the victims, their families, the communities affected, and even for the perpetrators. But what else can we do to bring peace to our world?

Read More
On
Mary C. Uhler

Work for sensible gun control

In the wake of the shootings in the nightclub in Orlando, Fla., I’ve heard some people say, “We have to buy a gun to protect ourselves.”

While on the surface that may seem like something to consider, I’ve looked into the issue of gun ownership and found some alarming statistics.

Rarely used for self-defense

Most studies show that guns are rarely used in self-defense. When you think about it, unless you’re carrying a gun with you everywhere you go, you often won’t be able to get to your gun quickly enough to defend yourself.

Instead, gun owners are far more likely to injure themselves or an innocent person rather than stop a criminal, according to a study released in 2015 by the Violence Policy Center.

Read More
On
Mary C. Uhler

Take pope’s advice: World must dial down aggression

Not long before the shooting tragedy in Orlando, I read about a message Pope Francis gave to a group of YouTubers from around the world.

About 12 young people who create their own videos and blogs had the privilege of meeting privately with the Holy Father at the Vatican. These YouTube celebrities apparently have about 25 million subscribers combined.

Dial down aggressiveness

Pope Francis urged them to help wipe out bullying and aggression by being better listeners and offering concrete gestures of tolerance and patience.

Read More
On
Mary C. Uhler

Facing pope’s challenge to protect creation

It doesn’t seem possible that almost a year has passed since Pope Francis issued Laudato Si’, his beautiful encyclical on care for our common home.

Released on June 18, 2015, the encyclical touched on many of the critical issues facing our world today, including the availability of fresh drinking water, the loss of biodiversity, decline in the quality of human life, the breakdown of society, and global inequality, to name a few.

Read More
On
Mary C. Uhler

Devotion to Mary continues

Editor's View by Mary C. Uhler

When I was growing up in La Crosse, I used to attend Our Mother of Perpetual Help novenas every Tuesday evening with my family at Blessed Sacrament Parish.

I liked attending the novenas, but I never learned much about this Marian devotion. It wasn’t until recently that I found out how it developed.

I discovered that the icon of the Blessed Mother with her divine son (pictured here) has helped provide strength, comfort, and even miracles to the faithful for centuries.

It seems appropriate during May — the month dedicated to Mary — that we learn more about Our Mother of Perpetual Help.

Read More
On
Mary C. Uhler

Court ruling is step in the right direction

In my Editor’s View column in the March 3 issue of the Catholic Herald, I encouraged people to join a prayer campaign to support the Little Sisters of the Poor.

These Sisters — who primarily care for the elderly — were involved in fighting for their religious beliefs. They refused to go along with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) mandate requiring them to provide contraceptive services for their employees.

Many people have been praying for the Little Sisters of the Poor and others involved in the Zubik v. Burwell case being argued before the U.S. Supreme Court. Their prayers seem to have been answered.

Read More
On
Mary C. Uhler

Caring for both babies and mothers

Some people criticize the pro-life movement for caring too much about unborn babies and not enough about their mothers. In my experience, their criticism is unfounded. Pro-lifers DO care about both babies and their mothers.

There really should not have to be a choice between a woman and her child. We as a society should be concerned about the life of both. Yet we realize that there are women facing crisis pregnancies. They are confused, alone, afraid.

Read More
On
Mary C. Uhler

A Mother’s Day gift: paid maternity leave

Did you know that women are the sole breadwinners in nearly half of U.S. households?

Yet, when women give birth to a baby, 88 percent of them are paid nothing in the weeks they take off after having a child.

These statistics were reported in an article by Cindy Goodman in the Miami Herald entitled, “Best Mother’s Day gift: paid maternity leave.”

As we approach Mother’s Day on May 8, it’s a time to thank and celebrate all mothers who gave us the gift of life.

Read More