Month: June 2014

On
Tony Magliano

Holy Land Principles: Powerful tool for justice and peace

During his recent pilgrimage to the Holy Land, the pope of surprises gave the world an unexpected powerful message.

On his way to celebrate Mass in Bethlehem, Pope Francis suddenly got out of his popemobile and walked toward the towering concrete Israeli-built barrier that divides Israel from the Israeli occupied territory of the West Bank.

Pope prays for world without walls

In a highly symbolic scene, with Israeli soldiers in a tower above him, Pope Francis touched the separation wall and prayed with head bowed at precisely the spot where spray-painted messages cry out, “Pope we need some 1 to speak about Justice Bethlehem look like Warsaw ghetto” and “Free Palestine.” Then he touched his forehead to the wall.

“This wall is a sign of division, that something is not functioning right,” said Vatican spokesman Father Federico Lombardi. And Pope Francis’ prayer there “signifies for me his desire for peace, for a world without walls.”

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On
Kevin Wondrash

Healthy eating for successful living

BELOIT — The Rock County Council on Aging is offering a six-week educational class on healthy eating for successful living.

The program is open to older adults interested in learning about nutrition and how lifestyle changes can promote better health through nutrition and exercise.

Participants will learn goal setting and brainstorming strategies to increase bone and heart healthy food choices.

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On
Kevin Wondrash

Sessions help seniors gain confidence and reduce falls

JANESVILLE — One in every three adults over age 65 falls every year; however, falling is not normal for older adults, and older adults can learn how to take steps to prevent falls.

Stepping On, a workshop offered in Rock County, teaches older adults to do just that. Research shows that adults who take the workshop gain confidence, reduce falls by over 30 percent, and have fewer hospitalizations and emergency department visits.

 

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On
Jean Mueller

Living a meaningful life

Q I am concerned about my mother. She is in her mid 80s and recently moved to an apartment for older adults — at the strong suggestion of her children. The reason is we thought that she would love to make new friends, get involved in some of the activities they hold, go on some of the outings, and in general be more active and involved. So far, she has not ventured out of her apartment without a family member with her. I wonder if this was a mistake.

(From a daughter in Madison)

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On
Kevin Wondrash

‘Running of the Rose’ at Durward’s Glen

BARABOO — To pay special tribute to Our Lady of Guadalupe, the Knights of Columbus are sponsoring a Silver Rose Run, which involves running three Silver Roses from Ontario through the U.S. to Monterey, Mexico. The “Running of the Rose” will journey to Durward’s Glen where a special service will be held Friday, June 20, at 7 p.m. at the Mary Mother of God Grotto.

Following the procession of the rose by Fourth Degree Knights, Deacon Dennis Sutter will guide those attending through the Rosary, Liturgy of the Word, and Act of Consecration.

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On
Fr. Robert Barron

Film looks at sin and salvation

There were a number of reasons why I liked World War Z, the film based on Max Brooks’ book of the same name.

First, it was a competently made thriller and not simply a stringing together of whiz-bang CGI effects. Secondly, it presented a positive image of a father.

In a time when Homer Simpson and Peter Griffin are the norm for fatherhood in the popular culture, Brad Pitt’s character, Gerry Lane, is actually a man of intelligence, deep compassion, and self-sacrificing courage.

About sin and salvation

But what intrigued me the most about World War Z is how it provides a template for thinking seriously about sin and salvation.

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On
Mary C. Uhler, Catholic Herald Staff

Bishop Morlino announces ‘news of great joy’: Diocesan offices to stay at Bishop O’Connor Center along with housing community

The Bishop O’Connor Catholic Pastoral Center, Madison, formerly Holy Name Seminary, will include a housing community while the diocesan offices will remain in the building. (Catholic Herald file photo)

MADISON — Bishop Robert C. Morlino announced “news of great joy” at a diocesan staff meeting on June 6: the Diocese of Madison would have its diocesan offices stay at the Bishop O’Connor Catholic Pastoral Center (BOC) along with a housing community being developed there.

Bishop Morlino expressed his gratitude to Gorman & Company for their “very, very hard work” in putting together a plan for the BOC. “I cannot begin to tell you how happy I am,” said Bishop Morlino.

Msgr. Mike Burke, pastor of St. Maria Goretti Parish in Madison and a member of the Diocesan Finance Council, said about the decision, “Wow! This is wonderful news. I think the reaction to this plan will be overwhelmingly positive.”

‘Sacred space’

Monsignor Burke lived at Holy Name Seminary, the former BOC, for 19 years. He served as the seminary rector for 13 years. He considers the building “sacred space,” pointing out that the chapel is the central point of the building. “People were hoping and praying that the chapel could be saved,” he said.

“I couldn’t be more happy for the seminary alumni, parents, faculty, benefactors, and many priests who served here that we are able to keep the building, chapel, and grounds intact. There are so many people who identify with this building, Catholics and non-Catholics,” he said.

The spire of the center dominates the west side of Madison, and the regular ringing of the bells can be heard from miles away.

Monsignor Burke said he “can’t thank Gary Gorman enough” for everything he did to save the building. “It’s a great day for our diocese” as we approach the feast of Pentecost on June 8, he said.

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On
Obispo Robert C. Morlino

La importancia de la Ascensión

Esta columna es la comunicación del Obispo con los fieles de la Diócesis de Madison. Cualquier circulación más amplia va más allá de la intención del Obispo.

Queridos amigos:

El domingo pasado celebramos la Solemnidad de la Ascensión del Señor. Como un hermano obispo bromea, celebramos este misterio glorioso exactamente de acuerdo a los Hechos de los Apóstoles . . . 44 días después de la Pascua.

Sin importar la precisión de la fecha, sin embargo, es una fiesta tremendamente importante para nosotros . . . una de las más importantes.

Lo que significa el Misterio Pascual

En todo el tiempo de Pascua, especialmente en las oraciones iniciales de la Misa y en los prefacios, hemos escuchado la referencia una y otra vez al Misterio Pascual.

Repetimos eso muchas veces y me pregunto si es claro en nuestras mentes lo que eso significa. Estos 50 días de Pascua son la celebración del Misterio Pascual.

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