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We celebrate the feast of the Annunciation on March 25. The American Catholic Church will probably never add another Holy Day of Obligation in my life time, but if it does, it could add the feast of the Annunciation.
On this feast day, we celebrate the good news that Mary conceived Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit.
It certainly is a holy day, but presently not of obligation.
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Needless to say, this global pandemic is unprecedented in our history, especially in terms of its impact on our daily lives. The consequences of our essential shutdown as a nation are far reaching and disturbing.
We are all praying for the victims worldwide — those who have died, those who are ill and suffering the effects of this corona virus. We pray for health care workers, first responders, and government leaders who must feel overwhelmed. I pray for our elderly and vulnerable populations, including the poor and the homeless. I pray for those who have lost income already and are economically struggling. We think of families who have their children home all the time. All of this equates to tremendous stress, anxiety, suffering, and fear.
In the face of all of this, God is inviting us to a deeper, radical trust in Him. In some ways, with our normal routines disrupted and many of our securities stripped away, we are faced with a profound existential moment — do I truly believe in God and confide my life to His mercy or not?
Our whole life of faith and practice of our religion has prepared us for this trial. Now is the time for us to truly let our faith in the Lord shine forth for others to see and draw strength from our witness. In some ways, with the suspension of public Masses, this time reminds me of the Babylonian captivity in the Old Testament.The Page 1 […]
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Blaise Pascal said, “All of humanity’s problems stem from man’s inability to sit quietly in a room alone.”
The great 17th Century philosopher thought that most of us, most of the time, distract ourselves from what truly matters through a series of divertissements (diversions).
He was speaking from experience. Though one of the brightest men of his age and one of the pioneers of the modern physical sciences and of computer technology, Pascal frittered away a good deal of his time through gambling and other trivial pursuits. |
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| Sr. Constance Veit, LSP |
Several years ago, a summer heat wave of historic proportions settled over Europe, leading to the death of over 14,000 people in France alone.
Many of the victims were elderly citizens who were left behind in major cities as their families and neighbors enjoyed their summer holidays far from the country’s urban areas.
The memory of this tragedy has been very present to me as we hunker down, close our doors and try our best to isolate our elderly residents from the coronavirus for as long as it takes to protect them from danger.JEFFERSON — Earlier this month was a special time for 45 individuals served at St. Coletta of Wisconsin.
A Lenten retreat was planned and facilitated by the Apostolate for Persons with Disabilities-Diocese of Madison (Msgr. Larry Bakke, Deacon Jim Hoegemeier, Kayla Schiesser, and Kellie O’Brien).
The theme of the retreat was “Jesus Comes to You,” and is part of our Lenten preparation looking forward to Easter.
CAMBRIA — Over the last two years, St. Maria Goretti Parish in Madison has taken an active role in supporting the Queen of Americas Mission in Cambria and its community members.
These members are seasonal employees at the food processing plants in Cambria and are the latest in a long line of seasonal employees for the agricultural industry in Wisconsin.
Prior to the onset of the Second World War, agricultural work was generally handled by the local population.
Sinsinawa Mound is closed to the public and all programs, events, concerts, prayer services, meetings, tours, and retreats have been canceled effective immediately through at least April 15.
MADISON — Edgewood College has announced the decision to complete the remainder of the spring semester fully online.
Edgewood College had been on spring break, and classes resumed fully online on March 23.
Protocol #: 015-2020
Whereas, during this time of disease, it has been necessary to take such drastic measures as the cancellation of all public celebrations of the Holy Mass in order to protect the public health by slowing the spread of contagion;
