Month: October 2013

On
Mary C. Uhler, Catholic Herald Staff

Oppose the death penalty: Join Pope Francis in supporting abolition of capital punishment

Editor's View by Mary C. Uhler

As we continue our observance of October as Respect Life Month, perhaps one of the most difficult issues for many Catholics is opposing the death penalty. Yet it is an issue that should be remembered as we consider respect for all human life.

Many people still seem to have the “eye for an eye” mentality when it comes to crime and punishment. They want to see criminals punished by death, especially for heinous crimes. They believe that society is better off without these hardened criminals in our midst.

However, as followers of Christ, we believe that God will show mercy to all sinners if they repent. We should allow everyone the opportunity for forgiveness.

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On
Chris Lee

Sister Clarus Jonaitis, OP, dies

SINSINAWA — Sister Clarus Jonaitis, OP, died Oct. 19, 2013, at St. Dominic Villa. The funeral Mass was held in Queen of the Rosary Chapel at Sinsinawa Oct. 23, 2013, followed by burial in the Motherhouse Cemetery.

Sister Clarus made her first religious profession as a Sinsinawa Dominican Aug. 6, 1940, and her final profession Aug. 6, 1943. She taught for 49 years, including 16 as an art teacher. Sister Clarus served in Illinois, Maryland, New York, Wisconsin, California and Nebraska.

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On
Lillian Quinones, for the Catholic Herald

The authority of reason in defense of marriage, pt 4

Conclusion of a four-part series offered as a primer for Catholics on the authority of reason in the defense of marriage. The series is based on author Lillian Quinones’ interviews with Professor Robert P. George of Princeton University.

Author’s note: The need for knowledgeable and articulate Catholics to defend the family as the foundation of society is dire. I am honored to feature Robert P. George, who is hailed by the New York Times as the “country’s most influential Christian thinker.” His clear and concise arguments motivate us to defend traditional marriage courageously and confidently for, as he demonstrates in this article, reason is our strongest weapon.

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On
Mary C. Uhler, Catholic Herald Staff

Respect life: Help keep families safe from violence

Editor's View by Mary C. Uhler

Besides being Respect Life Month, October is also designated as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in the United States.

In respecting all life, our Catholic faith encourages us to treat all persons with love and dignity. Blessed Pope John Paul II wrote about this in his encyclical, The Gospel of Life, warning against violence against others. He also outlined the importance of the family as the primary community of life and love in which children are nurtured.

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On
Bishop Robert C. Morlino, Bishop of Madison

Overjoyed to meet Pope Francis

This column is the bishop’s communication with the faithful of the Diocese of Madison. Any wider circulation reaches beyond the intention of the bishop.

Dear Friends,

Well it’s been seven months, but it was surely worth the wait! I was simply overjoyed in recent days to have my first moments with our Holy Father, Pope Francis. I hope to have some pictures to share with you by next week.

Simply put, I had never met Cardinal Bergoglio previously and, since his election as Bishop of Rome, I’ve had a tremendous desire to have a few moments with the man to whom my mission is so intricately tied.

I’ve spoken of it many times before, but I’ll recall here again that it is one of the key duties of the diocesan bishop to reach out and to act as a sort of glue which holds people fast to the heart of the Church and to be a sign of unity among the Body of Christ in His diocese. It is one of the key duties of the Pope to act as that glue and that sign of unity among all the bishops of the world and their people united with them.

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On
Fr. Rick Heilman

Men train to become ‘medics of mercy’

Guest Column

For the first time ever, all of the major Wisconsin apostolates for men’s faith formation are uniting to be trained and to lead the entire state to the burning love of the Sacred Heart of Jesus through the fire of love of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

This includes the Wisconsin Council of the Knights of Columbus, Relevant Radio, and men’s apostolates from all five dioceses: Men of Christ, Knights of Divine Mercy, Esto Vir, and the King’s Men.

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