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The Solemnity of the Epiphany, which we honor on the Sunday after January 1, is older than the celebration of Christmas, going back to the very beginnings of the Church.
Early Christians found deep meaning and inspiration in the astounding truth that God has fully revealed Himself in an absolute and definitive way in Jesus Christ.
The Book of Hebrews tells us that God spoke in fragmentary and varied ways in the past, but now, in Christ, all has been spoken and revealed to us!On January 9, 1946, Pope Pius XII established the Diocese of Madison, taking territory from the Archdiocese of Milwaukee and the Diocese of La Crosse.
Created right at the end of World War II, our diocese was poised to grow dramatically in the ensuing decades of population boom and economic ascendancy.
Bishop William P. O’Connor, a priest from Milwaukee, became Madison’s first bishop and was immediately faced with the many challenges of shaping a brand new diocese.
This painful year of 2020 has dramatically revealed our vulnerabilities, weaknesses, and mortality. It has also shown the resilience and generosity of the human spirit. So many things that may have seemed so important a year ago matter very little now. Other realities, like faith, prayer, family and friends, health, and ultimately God stand in sharper focus as the bedrock of our existence. This year will be a different sort of Christmas, as we pray for those who died this year, those who are ill and those who heroically serve them.
We will forego many of our Christmas traditions this year, but the central truth remains. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, entered into our broken and sinful world as a vulnerable baby to rescue us from sin and death. In our poverty and frailty, we can most profoundly relate to the Christ Child, who is born among animals and adored by shepherds. How easy it is to romanticize Christmas; the reality was far different. The advent of God is marked by poverty, obscurity, and danger. God quietly slips in through the back door, unbidden and unnoticed, but here with us. This overwhelming divine love is the cause, meaning and destiny of our human existence.
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The essence of evangelization is the proclamation of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior!
In these past weeks, we have reflected on the fundamental components of the kerygma, the basic “elevator speech” that every Catholic should be able to share with both competence and confidence.
Why are you Catholic? How have you experienced God? What does faith in Jesus accomplish?
In an increasingly secular culture, fewer people grasp the meaning and purpose of Christian faith. How imperative that we be willing to give the reason for our hope. |
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| Bishop Donald J. Hying of Madison lays hands on Fr. Kumud Nayak, CJD, during Father Nayak’s Ordination Mass on December 7 at Holy Name Heights in Madison. (Catholic Herald photo/Joe Ptak) |
MADISON — The vigil of the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception included a blessing for the Diocese of Madison — a new priest.
Fr. Kumud Nayak was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Donald J. Hying of Madison on December 7 in the Holy Name Oratory at Holy Name Heights in Madison.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a limited number of invited guests were able to attend the Ordination Mass, while hundreds from the diocese and elsewhere watched via a livestream.
“Let Rev. Mr. Kumud Chandra Nayak, who is to be ordained a priest, come forward,” proclaimed Deacon Chris Schmelzer during the Mass.
At those words, still-Deacon Kumud stood up from his pew and uttered “present”.
He then came forward as Vicar General Msgr. James Bartylla presented the priesthood candidate to Bishop Hying.
Knowing him to be “worthy,” Bishop Hying said, “Relying on the help of the Lord God and our Savior Jesus Christ, we choose Kumud, our brother, for the order of the priesthood”. |
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What a difference a year makes! Who could have imagined last Advent the place we would find ourselves in at this moment?
The COVID pandemic, the presidential election, and the ongoing violence in our cities have completely changed and challenged us in unimaginable ways. The entire human race is hurting. We can see the power of sin and death all around us.
This Advent, I have never felt the need for prayer more profoundly or heard the longings of the Old Testament prophets more keenly.
We seek liberation. We desire a savior. We need Jesus Christ and all that He has to give us. |
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| Deacon Kumud Nayak |
MADISON — Deacon Kumud Chandra Nayak is set to complete his journey to the priesthood.
The transitional deacon, currently assigned to St. Olaf Parish in DeForest, is scheduled to be ordained on Monday, Dec. 7, at 6 p.m. in the oratory at Holy Name Heights in Madison.
Bishop Donald J. Hying of Madison will celebrate the Mass.
The Mass is not open to the public. Only those with tickets — personal guests of Deacon Nayak — will be admitted.In the initial efforts to launch our Go Make Disciples evangelizing initiative, the word, “kerygma” comes up often.
Meaning “proclamation” in the original Greek, the kerygma is the essence of the Gospel, the Good News of Jesus Christ distilled to its shining essence.
In the Acts of the Apostles, Simon Peter stands up on Pentecost morning, addresses the assembled crowd, and proclaims that this Jesus, whom they crucified, God has made both Lord and Savior.
Msgr. James Bartylla, Vicar General, announces the following priest appointment and deacon assignments made by Most Reverend Donald J. Hying, Bishop of Madison, effective Friday, November 20, 2020
• Rev. Fr. Michael Radowicz, to Presbyteral Advisor to the Office of the Permanent Diaconate, from Director of the Office of the Permanent Diaconate, and remaining as pastor, St. Bernard Parish, Madison.
• Deacon Christopher Schmelzer, to Director of the Office of the Permanent Diaconate, with any parish deacon assignment remaining. |
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I speak often of gratitude as a foundation of the spiritual life; giving thanks to God and others for the remarkable gifts we receive is a hallmark of our fundamental posture of humility before the Lord.
When we acknowledge everything as a gracious gift, an undeserved grace, we can live in wonder, awe, and generosity as we contemplate the astonishing miracle of our existence.
For many, this Thanksgiving will be difficult because of COVID.