To the editor:
Having taken instructions and being baptized by then Father Wirz (1958), he always kept in touch.
In 1994 he came to the funeral parlor (unannounced) when our son was killed and led the prayers. Later that year he invited us to dinner with him and Sister Joan.
To the editor:
When he was pastor of St. Bernard Parish in Madison, we were often treated to Bishop George Wirz’s unique sense of humor in getting a point made. Our yearly “money talk” consisted of a three-minute egg timer and however much he could say until it ran out, even when he was stopped mid-sentence!
Always health conscious, he walked in our neighborhood until so many people were stopping him to talk that he had to resort to walking in circles in the church parking lot.
To the editor:
Our retired auxiliary bishop of Madison, George O. Wirz, has passed into eternity.
Now, through the power of the Holy Spirit, he can intercede for us, the Church of Madison, as we strive to be Church in our daily lives. What an on-going gift from God, to us, the people of God, in the Diocese of Madison.
With Christmas festivities underway and family gatherings abounding, Christ’s birth is any Christian’s central focus.
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| Olivia Knier |
Surely this focus has brought about some thought on the Blessed Virgin’s important role in the Christ Child’s life.
The simple, yet difficult role she held in His time can hardly be paralleled with such a fast-paced culture as ours is today, can it?
With the role of women in society changing rapidly, it’s easy to lose sight of where women should stand. Involvement of a woman in society today is different from that of Jesus’ time, but still centers around the same characteristic: primary focus of service to the family.
In our world today —perhaps in our own lives — there are times it seems that not too much “good news” exists.
We hear of war and natural disasters around the globe. At home, we may be afraid as we face a loved one’s illness, or financial difficulties.
In those moments, we call to mind the angel’s announcement that first Christmas, taking comfort in the message of God’s love, as it supports us every day through life’s challenges.
During World War II near London, on Christmas morning, some lonely American soldiers looked for a Mass to celebrate the birth of Jesus.
As they searched, they discovered an old gray stone building. Carved over the door were the words, “Queen Anne’s Orphanage.” They knocked and a matron came to the door. She explained that the children were orphans whose parents had been killed in bombing raids.
The soldiers went inside as the children tumbled happily out of bed and hurried into the gray guest room. There were no Christmas trees, crib, or presents.
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
The message of the angel to the shepherd and his flock is the same:
Rev. Faustino Ruiz, SJS, incardinated into the Diocese of Madison, per canon 269, with concurrent excardination from the Diocese of Metuchen, effective immediately.
“This is God’s Christmas gift to the Diocese of Madison that we’re celebrating tonight,” said Bishop Robert C. Morlino as he welcomed people to the ordination Mass for Deacons Chad Michael Droessler and John David Putzer.
MADISON — People are invited to join the Madison Diocesan Choir, directed by Dr. Patrick Gorman, for its performance of “Lessons and Carols” for one night only, on Sunday, Dec. 19, at 4 p.m., at the Bishop O’Connor Center.
Bishop Robert C. Morlino will preside. The performance is free, but a collection of non-perishable food items will be taken.
