 |
|
I speak often of gratitude as a foundation of the spiritual life; giving thanks to God and others for the remarkable gifts we receive is a hallmark of our fundamental posture of humility before the Lord.
When we acknowledge everything as a gracious gift, an undeserved grace, we can live in wonder, awe, and generosity as we contemplate the astonishing miracle of our existence.
For many, this Thanksgiving will be difficult because of COVID.MADISON — Wisconsin’s Catholic bishops have announced the implementation of a protocol and reporting system for misconduct allegations involving a bishop within the state.
The new protocol was developed and implemented over the past several months and adheres to the Holy Father’s apostolic letter Motu Proprio, Vos estis lux mundi (“You are the Light of the World”).
For many years, all five Wisconsin dioceses have had robust and effective systems in place for reporting and responding to allegations of misconduct by all Church personnel, but these new measures have been adopted to ensure even more careful oversight for allegations involving bishops.Sister Dorothy Gabel, OP, died October 30, 2020, at St. Dominic Villa, Hazel Green, Wis. Her religious name was Sister Marie Carl. The funeral Mass was held at the Dominican motherhouse, Sinsinawa, November 11, followed by burial in the Motherhouse Cemetery.
Sister Flannan McGuane, OP, died Oct. 28, 2020, at MercyOne Dubuque Medical Center, Dubuque, Iowa. Natural burial took place Nov. 2 in the Motherhouse Cemetery.
On a warm fall day, on the Feast of All Souls, dozens of people gathered together with Bishop Donald J. Hying of Madison before a new statue and columbarium now adorning the grounds of Resurrection Cemetery.
“And now we thank you, our God, and praise your glorious name.”
— 1 Chronicles 29:13
PRAIRIE DU SAC — November is the month when we celebrate all the saints, remember the deceased in our prayers in a particular way, and set apart a day to thank God for His many blessings.
Although it might not seem obvious at first, these practices are closely linked, especially in the monastic tradition.
The bare tree outside my office, which only days ago was laden with fiery red leaves, reminds me that autumn is rapidly moving us towards the snow and cold of winter, as nature falls asleep.
This fallow period of dormancy, rest, and apparent lifelessness we know well, both because we live in Wisconsin, where our trees are leafless six months out of the year and because we have tasted the cycles of the Paschal Mystery, the dying and rising of Christ.
The poignancy of these colder and darker November days speaks of the golden summer now past, the brevity of life as we pray for the dead and the cycle of the seasons of the heart.
 |
|
Not unlike millions of other people at various times in their lives, a few weeks ago, I was having somewhat of an undesirable day at work, and I wanted nothing more than to make the clock go faster and go home for the day.
Upon expressing this desire to a friend of mine, I was told, “Don’t wish your life away”.
Ever since my friend uttered that chiding, but necessary, comment it’s really stuck with me.The following article is the next installment in a series that will appear in the Catholic Herald to offer catechesis and formation concerning end of life decisions, dying, death, funerals, and burial of the dead from the Catholic perspective.
Sister Estelle Wiltz, OP, died Oct. 21, 2020, at St. Dominic Villa, Hazel Green, Wis. Her religious name was Sister Mary Cabrini. The funeral Mass was held at the Dominican motherhouse, Sinsinawa, Oct. 29, followed by burial in the Motherhouse Cemetery.
