Recently I have done some reflection on how I would relate the message of Christ’s death and resurrection to the world situation, particularly here in the United States.
Christ’s death and resurrection assures us that God has conquered evil and that good can, and does, come out of suffering.
What a great learning experience was provided as we watched the events in Rome surrounding the death of Pope John Paul II, April 2, 2005, and the subsequent election of Pope Benedict XVI.
Who would have thought that we would come to know and appreciate so much more about our Catholic faith? We joined with millions of people around the world to reflect on the truths of Christianity and the lives of Jesus’ outstanding disciples both past and present. Those were grace-filled days that we will not soon forget.
It goes without saying that our Lord loves us enough to make sure that we have ample occasions to grow in holiness during the Lenten season.
A good example of this is how we are given opportunities to practice forbearance with people and organizations, especially when our inclination is to do exactly the opposite.
MADISON — Ghana is the featured country for Operation Rice Bowl this week. Last year, this African nation celebrated its 50th year of independence. Ghana gets high marks for improvements in the democratic process and has shown strong economic growth. Part of this success can be attributed to the efforts of Catholic Relief Services.
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is the official international humanitarian aid agency for U.S. Catholics. By feeding school children, training teachers, providing knowledge and resources to grow better crops, providing clean water, and so many other ways, CRS has contributed to Ghana’s success. The Diocese of Madison has been a part of these efforts through interaction with our sister diocese, the Diocese of Navrongo-Bolgatanga in Ghana, through multiple delegations to share faith and friendship.
Pro-lifers everywhere are seriously concerned about the threats to life growing throughout the world, especially in the United States.
Bishop Robert Morlino is particularly requesting prayers for President Barack Obama in the area of abortion activity. Pro-lifers in Wisconsin are greatly concerned about the University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics in Madison restarting abortion practices which it had abandoned over 20 years ago.
President Barack Obama’s executive order casting aside the ban on federal funding for developing and using new embryonic stem cell lines was nakedly inconsistent and, despite his protestations, thoroughly political.
Obama said: “As a person of faith, I believe we are called to care for each other and work to ease human suffering . . . I believe we have been given the capacity and will to pursue this research — and the humanity and conscience to do so responsibly.”
These days one does not need to look very far to know that our society is facing many challenges. Every day, even every hour, it seems we hear more news of the deepening economic crisis, corporate excess, massive layoffs, failing businesses, and increasing home foreclosures.
The current crisis seems to have affected nearly every facet of life. In one way or another, it touches every person and every organization, including our diocese, our parishes, and our schools.
The Survivors Club is currently a best seller. In his travels far and wide, the author found that faith in God was the top reason people gave for surviving the ups and downs of life.
Speaking of survivors, have you heard the story about the three Olympic Games fans who had no tickets to see the track and field events?
Whenever we at the Wisconsin Catholic Conference talked to groups last year about the US Bishops’ statement on political responsibility, Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship, we emphasized that faithful citizenship is about more than voting. It is about doing the hard work of citizenship on a year-round basis.
In the coming weeks, Catholics around the state who want to live out their call to be faithful citizens will have a chance to do so — by attending one of six hearings on the 2009 budget bill. The hearings, conducted by the Legislature’s Joint Committee on Finance will take place over a two-week period beginning on Monday, March 23, and concluding on Friday, April 3.
What do fish, coffee, and apples have in common besides being an interesting Lenten meal?
Each of these foods has a story that highlights how Catholic Relief Services (CRS) has worked with local people to find a new way to create economic success.
CRS is the major international outreach to 100 countries in Central and Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, and the Far East. Programs are designed to work with people of a community in helping lift their poverty.
These three examples of fish, coffee, and apples show how small changes lead to big results.
