Day: December 21, 2016
May Christmas bring us closer to peace
 |
|
Jim Mahoney, a Marine sergeant, was married shortly before going overseas in World War II. He and his wife never had the chance to celebrate Christmas together.
He returned from the Pacific in December of 1945, hoping and praying that he would make it home in time to be with his wife for Christmas so he could surprise her with a special Christmas gift.
A special gift
He flew into New York City on Christmas Eve after the stores were closed. As he rode in a cab, he noticed a drugstore that was still open. He stopped the cab and made a purchase.
St. James School students honor veterans
MADISON — The son of a Marine Corps veteran gave up birthday presents in exchange for money to give to St. James Catholic School teacher Mrs. Chris Eshun so she could attend her youngest son’s graduation from basic training in San Diego in December.
Mrs. Eshun, who has been teaching at St. James since 1985, received the gift at an all-school assembly on the Marine Corps’ birthday November 10.
Longing for peace in the Holy Land
 |
|
During this wonderful time of the year, when Christians throughout the world focus minds and hearts on the coming of God himself upon the earth as one of us, our attention naturally turns to the place where the incarnation occurred.
While all the earth is a holy creation of the Almighty, Bethlehem and the surrounding lands that Jesus walked upon, taught upon, miraculously acted upon, suffered and died upon, and gloriously resurrected upon is uniquely holy, and thus deserving of the title Holy Land.
The way to true peace
In the Holy Land, the Prince of Peace taught humanity the way to true peace.
Footville and Evansville parishes promote Year of Mercy
FOOTVILLE — St. Augustine Parish in Footville and St. Paul Parish in Evansville joined efforts to promote Pope Francis’ “Year of Mercy.”
Throughout the year, both parishes have undertaken various charitable works and promoted evangelization, educational, and spiritual outreaches to inspire everyone to live their faith and to act on the Corporal Works of Mercy.
Why Christmas should bother everybody
Just a few weeks ago, at a ceremony for the lighting of the national Christmas tree, President Obama remarked on the meaning of the season. Here are some of the things he said:
“Over these next few weeks, as we celebrate the birth of our Savior, as we retell the story of weary travelers, a star, shepherds, Magi, I hope that we also focus ourselves on the message that this child brought to this Earth some 2,000 years ago — a message that says we have to be our brother’s keepers, our sister’s keepers; that we have to reach out to each other, to forgive each other.
Make this Christmas a ‘silent night’
 |
|
| 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,
The Book of Wisdom, Chapter 18, verse 14 says, “For while gentle silence enveloped all things, and night in its swift course was now half gone, Your all powerful word leapt from heaven, from the royal throne.”
It is a beautiful prophecy of the night of our Lord’s Birth. That’s why it’s the introit from the Sunday within the Octave of Christmas and it is a biblical reference, along with others, which give context to the beautiful Christmas hymn, “Silent Night.” Silence is part of the essential clothing, if you will, of Christmas.
The power of silence
Robert Cardinal Sarah, the Prefect for Divine Worship, has written a beautiful new book about the power of silence. Unfortunately, it is only available in French for now.
A ‘Divine Mercy’ coffee shop in Madison?
 |
|
| Mark Endres |
Several years ago, I read about a coffee shop in Minnesota called St. James Coffee — a wonderful place for people to drink, eat, pray, and talk freely about their faith.
I thought, “Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have a ‘Divine Mercy’ coffee shop in my local town of Madison, Wis.?” I started to think about what it would take.
St. Jerome School has successful buddy program
COLUMBUS — St. Jerome School invites students in 4K to eighth grades to participate in a buddy program.
This program has become one of the keys to students’ success.
Students paired together
An older student is partnered with a younger student for the entire school year.
Nativity scene is important reminder
As I put out the Nativity scene in our home this year, I thought about the meaning of this familiar Christmas decoration.
It is actually more than a decoration, but instead is an important reminder of the true meaning of Christmas.
St. Francis’ inspiration
In looking into the history of Nativity scenes, I was reminded that the first Nativity scene supposedly appeared about 800 years ago, more than 1,200 years after the birth of Christ.