Year: 2013

On
Barbara Lyons

Justice prevails in Gosnell verdict, but what about babies killed in womb?

To the editor:

Kermit Gosnell is guilty, and justice has been done. According to one courtroom observer, Gosnell seemed surprised that he was found guilty, and it is that aspect of his cold attitude that describes the monster he is.

If sane and moral people had tried to conjure up the most monstrous abortionist alive, they would have been hard put to come up with the atrocities committed by Gosnell. Our fear that he would be acquitted is unrealized, and America is once again a nation with a conscience which recognizes a grave injustice.

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On
Mary C. Uhler, Catholic Herald Staff

Spreading joy: Pope Francis leads the way in showing us how to do it

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope (Romans 15:13).

It’s his smile. That’s what we have noticed especially about our new Holy Father, Pope Francis. His smile literally lights up St. Peter’s Square — and that’s a big place!

It’s not that our previous popes haven’t exuded happiness. They did show us joy, too. But Pope Francis has been unusually open in approaching people, walking right up to them in the crowds, touching people and picking up children (I’m sure his security staff is pretty nervous at times).

I think his joy his contagious. People have been responding to him in person and have been enjoying watching videos. Catholic News Service has posted some wonderful videos of Pope Francis interacting with people of all ages. Some of these videos can be found on the Catholic Herald website (www.madisoncatholicherald.org) on the home page. If you haven’t watched these videos, I encourage you to take a look. You will come away smiling.

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On
Chris Lee

Sister Mary Owen Haggerty, OP, dies

SINSINAWA — Sister Mary Owen Haggerty, OP, died May 22, 2013. The funeral Mass was held in Queen of the Rosary Chapel at Sinsinawa May 30, 2013, followed by burial in the Motherhouse Cemetery.

Sister Mary Owen made her first religious profession as a Sinsinawa Dominican Aug. 5, 1952, and her final profession Aug. 5, 1955. She taught for one year, served in the health care field for 50 years, ministered as the coordinator of volunteers for the Motherhouse for 11 years, and served as pastoral assistant for seven years. She was well-known at the Dubuque (Iowa) Farmers’ Market for selling Sinsinawa bakery products. Sister Mary Owen served in Iowa, Wisconsin, Washington and Illinois.

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On
Kevin Wondrash, Catholic Herald Staff

Blessed Sacrament School holds blood drive in honor of student

MADISON — Blessed Sacrament School recently held a blood drive in honor of one of its students diagnosed with leukemia for a second time.

The first blood drive in honor of fourth-grader Nora Williamson was held in November of last year.

Former Blessed Sacrament student and current Edgewood High School student Kevin Thomas organized the blood drive.

Thomas has been volunteering with the Red Cross since he was 14. About a year ago, he met Nora and learned she had leukemia.

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Chris Lee

Sister Jeanne Dion, OP, dies

SINSINAWA — Sister Jeanne Dion, OP, died May 17, 2013, at St. Dominic Villa. The funeral Mass was held in Queen of the Rosary Chapel at Sinsinawa May 21, 2013, followed by burial in the Motherhouse Cemetery.

Sister Jeanne made her first religious profession as a Sinsinawa Dominican Dec. 16, 1972, and her final profession May 22, 1976. She ministered as a secretary for 11 years, bookkeeper for seven years, pastoral associate for nine years, and parish administrator for eight years. Sister Jeanne served in Wisconsin, Illinois, South Carolina, Tennessee and Kentucky.

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Mary C. Uhler, Catholic Herald Staff

Francine Butzine is retiring after 43 years at St. Henry School

WATERTOWN — The old adage “Time flies when you’re having fun” certainly applies to Francine Butzine, who is retiring this year after 43 years as a teacher and principal at St. Henry School in Watertown.

In an interview, Mrs. Butzine — as students, parents, and others fondly call her in the St. Henry community — said she has “never been bored” in her 20 years as a teacher and 23 years as a principal at St. Henry School.

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On
Chris Lee

Fr. Jim McEnery celebrates 60 years as a priest

MADISON — Fr. James McEnery will be celebrating his 60th anniversary as a priest this month.

Celebrations for Father McEnery’s jubilee are planned for Saturday and Sunday, May 18 and 19, at St. Peter Parish, Madison, and St. Mary Parish, Milton, respectively.

Father McEnery was ordained May 14, 1953, by Bishop William P. O’Connor, at Holy Redeemer Church in Madison (the cathedral was being renovated at the time).

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