(Catholic Herald photos/Joe Ptak)
MADISON — “Let the splendor of holiness shine out on the whole world, from every person, place, or thing anointed with this Holy Oil.”
Those words were part of the ritual of blessing of the Holy Oils prayed by Bishop Robert C. Morlino at the Chrism Mass on April 3 at St. Maria Goretti Church.
The bishop told hundreds of persons gathered from around the diocese that all the baptized and confirmed play a part in making sure the “splendor of holiness” shines on the whole world. (See the bishop’s column for more information on his homily at the Chrism Mass.)
Gift of the priesthood
Bishop Morlino thanked all those in attendance at the Chrism Mass who are a “sign of our entire diocesan family.” He said we thank God “for the gift of the priesthood of all of you and the ordained priesthood of those called by God.”
People applauded several times during the Mass, first when the bishop asked all the seminarians and those thinking about the seminary to stand. He singled out Deacon David Johannes, who will be ordained a priest this summer along with Deacon Mark Miller, who is studying in Rome.
“In a special way I thank my brother deacons and my brother priests. Being a priest and a bishop in the Church today isn’t easy. I thank you for everything you do every day. We must rely on the Lord to help us,” said Bishop Morlino.
The congregation then gave the priests a standing ovation, after which the bishop said to the priests, “They really do love you!”
The bishop also offered thanks to Dr. Patrick Gorman and the Madison Diocesan Choir for their music ministry. The choir was joined by a number of instrumentalists who added to the solemnity of the Mass.
Bishop Morlino prayed for the intercession of Blessed John Paul II, whose anniversary of death was on April 2. The bishop noted that there will be a diocesan celebration of his beatification on May 20.
The bishop also remembered Bishop William H. Bullock, who died a year ago on April 3; Bishop George O. Wirz; and all deceased priests of the diocese.
Concelebrants of the Mass included Msgr. James Bartylla, vicar general; Msgr. Michael L. Burke, pastor of St. Maria Goretti Parish; Fr. Brian J. Wilk, chair of the Presbyteral Council; Frs. Chad Droessler and Nate Wills, CSC, of St. Maria Goretti Parish; and priests of the diocese.
Rev. Mr. David Johannes and Deacon Richard Martin were deacons of the Mass. Deacons bringing up the oils included Deacons Jerome Buhman, St. Maria Goretti; Tom Hale, Sacred Heart, Reedsburg; John Houseman, St. Patrick, Janesville; and Todd Martin, St. Peter, Madison.