Month: December 2018

On
Kevin Wondrash

‘It was worth the wait’: Diocesan priest meets Pope Francis

Fr. McEnery and Pope Francis
Fr. Jim McEnery, a priest of the Diocese of Madison, gives Pope Francis music for an “Ave Maria” that he wrote. Father McEnery is observing 65 years as a priest this year. (Contributed photo)

A far-fetched idea of offering Holy Mass with Pope Francis ended up a reality for a Diocese of Madison priest — plus getting a hug from the Holy Father.

The occasion: Fr. Jim McEnery, a priest of the Diocese of Madison, and his classmate, Fr. Richard Kuhn of the Archdiocese of Dubuque, are observing their 65th year of ordination to the priesthood this year.

A special invitation

After receiving “how-to” advice from some higher-ups in Rome, and a mailing address provided by Msgr. James Bartylla, then vicar general of the Diocese of Madison, and after waiting months and pretty much giving up on the idea, an email from Pope Francis’ personal secretary finally arrived. It invited them to celebrate “at the Holy Father’s Mass in the chapel of Domus Sanctae Marthae on Monday 12 November next, promptly at 7:00 a.m.”

Father Jim could hardly believe his eye. Not much time to prepare meant scrambling for tickets, but soon he and his classmate were on their way, non-stop Miami-to-Rome on Alitalia, economy class.

Arriving in Rome

On Saturday, their driver picked them up at Leonardo da Vinci Airport. Their small hotel, the Residenze Poalo VI, was about 50 feet from the famous Bernini columns, and not much farther from the Cancello de San’Ufficio, where they were to check in on Monday morning.

Many a cardinal and archbishop had signed the guest register of this hotel, including names like Dolan and Listecki, so it seemed to be “the” place to be. (The restaurant is open until 1 a.m. to accommodate concert goers.)

Read More
On
Pat Casucci, Catholic Herald Correspondent

Our Lady of Guadalupe celebration held in Beloit

BELOIT — More than 600 people honored Our Lady of Guadalupe at a lively, yet spiritual celebration on her feast day, December 12.

The evening’s events included a concert by the Mariachi Juvenil del Sur Band from Harvard, Ill., Mass, and a sharing meal featuring Hispanic specialties.

People from Beloit, Janesville, Clinton, and areas of Northern Illinois gathered at Our Lady of the Assumption (OLA) Church for the celebration that is meaningful and part of the heritage to residents in Latin American countries, especially in Mexico.

Read More
On
Al Minnaert, For the Catholic Herald

Eyes opened to human struggles on mission trip

MADISON — The mission trip is a long-standing tradition, made available only to juniors at Edgewood High School. It is a service immersion experience.

Immersion experience

Part of the time students are involved in direct service. Part of the time students are learning about social justice issues such as poverty, homelessness, hunger, incarceration, racism, and immigration.

Part of the time students pray and reflect on their experiences. But, all of the time students are immersed in environments that open their eyes to the realities faced by so many marginalized people in our country.

Read More
On
Kevin Wondrash

‘Our Faith Stories’ at St. Ann, Stoughton

STOUGHTON — The next “Our Faith Stories” at St. Ann Parish in Stoughton will be held on Sunday, Jan. 6, at 6:30 p.m. in Healy Hall. Those attending will hear about the act of faith and love that Mike Donahue and Jim Cisler have shared with the people of Catarina, Guatemala. Earlier this year, they assisted two Maryknoll Sisters who are also physicians working in Catarina for over 50 years.

Cisler shared that this service made him truly appreciate the many blessings and gifts he has been given. It provides motivation for him to do more for those in need with not only his treasure, but also with his time and talent to be the hands and feet of Christ to others that he can help locally.

Read More
On
Mary C. Uhler, Catholic Herald Staff

New Year’s resolution: Practice what we preach

In Luke’s Gospel for Sunday, Dec. 16, comes this passage, “The crowds asked John the Baptist, ‘What should we do?’ He said to them in reply, “Whoever has two cloaks should share with the person who has none. And whoever has food should do likewise.’”

St. John the Baptist was foreshadowing Jesus’ own words from the Gospel of Matthew, which emphasize that his followers won’t enter the kingdom of heaven if they don’t give food and drink to the hungry and thirsty, welcome the stranger, clothe the naked, and visit the sick or those in prison.

Read More