Author: Kevin Wondrash

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Kevin Wondrash

Finding real peace in the face of conflict

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,

This past Saturday, along with so many of you I’m sure, I took up Pope Francis’ worldwide call to offer a day of prayer and of fasting for peace — especially for peace in Syria. As I write this column, the gears are turning, and we shall see what comes in terms of action in Syria, and all of the Middle East.

There is already suffering, no doubt! The situation in Syria and all around that part of the world is terrible. But the need for peace extends far beyond the Middle East, and peace is needed at a much deeper level for all of us.

Regardless the outcome of the current deliberations with regard to Syria, our work for peace should continue. If we desire peace, we must make an examination of conscience and work for peace within our own lives first, to seek a peace that cannot be disturbed. There is more on that below.

Remembering 9/11

I cannot fail to mention that this week we come upon the anniversary of September 11, 2001, when so many Americans came to know the Prince of Peace and, we continue to pray, to reside with Him.

Of course, the violence of terrorism is intended as a direct attempt to rob a large number of people of their peace — not only those immediately affected, but those who continue to live in fear, in terror. May the Lord continue to remove fear from our lives, replacing it with hope — the hope that only He can bring.

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Kevin Wondrash

Edgewood College president plans to retire

MADISON — As a crowded Anderson Auditorium on the Edgewood College campus waited on September 10 for the day’s “major announcement,” school President Dr. Dan Carey stepped behind the podium.

With a tone of gratitude to the entire college, Carey announced he will retire from his position at the end of the 2013-2014 school year.

Carey said it is a time to “transition to meaningful work” at an age when he is still healthy.

He thanked the Sinsinawa Dominicans, Board of Trustees, faculty, staff, and students for all their help in the successes of Edgewood College during his time there.

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Kevin Wondrash

The most prayerful experience of my life

As I follow people on Twitter and help to put together the issue of the Catholic Herald each week, I read about a lot of Catholics taking pilgrimages to the three approved Marian Shines in Wisconsin: the Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Help of Christians at Holy Hill, near Milwaukee; the Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help, in Champion, near Green Bay; and the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, near La Crosse.

I have been to two of the three sites, the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe being the only one I have yet to visit. I would now like to reflect on the first time I visited one of these shrines.

A chance to go

Back in May of 2012, I went on a one-day bus trip with parishioners from St. Christopher Parish in Verona to the Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help in Champion (formally known as Robinsonville).

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Kevin Wondrash

Al Ringling Theatre, Baraboo, announces Lively Arts Series

BARABOO — The historic Al Ringling Theatre, 136 4th Ave., Baraboo, announces its lineup of shows for the 2013-14 Lively Arts Series. The series features a variety of artists in different performance genres, including some regional favorites.

  • The series opens on Friday, Oct. 4, with the down-home sounds and sweet harmonies of Robin and Linda Williams and their group.
  • Singer and playwright Lisa Rock and her six-piece band are keeping the Carpenters’ holiday traditions alive with spot-on renditions of the unforgettable Christmas tunes on Friday, Dec. 13.
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Kevin Wondrash

Knights of Columbus ‘Culture of Life’ essay contest calls for entries

MADISON — Many of us know that life is becoming increasingly chaotic in America, and there is a growing opinion that elements of our culture and even our government no longer regards life as valued or sacred.

Many people who are pro-life consider it very difficult or even impossible to change our culture and our government on their own.

Importance of the Eucharist

The Most Holy Eucharist — as the source and summit of the Christian life — separates us from sin, strengthens us, and unites us more closely to Christ. We receive sacramental graces from the Eucharist that help us work with God in the salvation of other people for the growth of the Body of Christ, the Church. As members of the Church, strengthened by grace, we are able to call people to conversion on developing a culture of life in America.

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Kevin Wondrash

Fr. Paul Fagan continues missionary work in Tanzania

WESTPORT — Many residents of southern Wisconsin will recognize the name of Fr. Paul Fagan.

Father Fagan was born near Prairie du Chien in 1932. After attending St. Francis Minor and Maryknoll Major Seminary, he was ordained in 1960. For the last 53 years, Father Fagan has served the people of Tanzania in Africa.

Sharing news of his work

Over those 53 years, Father Fagan has returned to Wisconsin and the Diocese of Madison every year to share news about his work in Tanzania.

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