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Kat Wagner, Catholic Herald Staff

Mass, listening sessions for farming community

 

Bishop Morlino blessing implements

 

Bishop Robert C. Morlino blesses some farm equipment brought by a farmer from Cuba City following the Rural Life Mass at Immaculate Conception Church in Truman October 20. The bishop blessed two ponies, five tractors, and other farm equipment — including a “drive-by” blessing of a manure treatment system — outside the church. (Catholic Herald photo

TRUMAN — People filled the pews at Immaculate Conception Church for the third annual Rural Life Mass held by the Diocese of Madison. Many also brought their farm equipment and a few animals to be blessed by Bishop Robert C. Morlino afterwards.

The Mass drew young and old from around Truman and the Diocese of Madison. Thirteen priests from throughout the diocese concelebrated the Mass on October 20.

After the Mass and blessing, the majority of the congregation gathered downstairs in the specially decorated social hall for a reception held by the Altar Society at Immaculate Conception Parish.

The parish had been cleaning and getting ready and planning since they heard about Truman hosting the event, said Irma Kliebenstein. “We wanted it to be festive, but family oriented.”

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Kat Wagner, Catholic Herald Staff

Celebrating the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi

st peter ashton pet blessing
Students and animals met each other during the pet blessing at St. Peter School, Ashton. (Catholic Herald photo/Kat Wagner)

ASHTON — It was a blustery day for bringing the class outside, but everyone was wearing coats — including the animals.

The students at St. Peter School in Ashton celebrated the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi with a pet blessing after returning from a retreat October 1.

This year’s retreat, the second the school has held for the students, was offered at Ochsner Park in Baraboo. The students visited the zoo and learned about St. Francis of Assisi, whose feast day is October 4.

After arriving back at school, the students were able to have their pets and animals blessed by Fr. Eugene “Bud” Hollfelder, pastor at the parish. Some parents were able to bring the animals — from dogs and cats to rabbits and a heifer — to the school to be blessed. Other students brought pictures of their pets.

The topics for the retreats are on a three-year cycle, said Maria Patt, principal. Last year the students learned about Mary on their retreat. This year, they learned about the patron saint of animals and the environment.

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