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| Bishop Robert C. Morlino, right, was the recipient of the first Christ Brings Hope Award in the Diocese of Madison presented by Fr. Francis “Father Rocky” Hoffman, left, executive director of Relevant Radio. (Photo by Elizabeth Groshek) |
MADISON — Fr. Francis “Father Rocky” Hoffman presented Bishop Robert C. Morlino with the first Christ Brings Hope Award in the Diocese of Madison at the festive Relevant Radio dinner held at the Edgewater Hotel on March 19.
Father Hoffman is the executive director of Relevant Radio, which presents the Christ Brings Hope Award on behalf of the staff and supporters of the Catholic radio network to “an American Catholic who has worked with extraordinary dedication to bring the good news and hope of Christ to all souls.
“This person exemplifies the virtues of charity, generosity, hope, apostolic zeal, and love for the Truth,” said Father Hoffman.
Father Hoffman said of Bishop Morlino, “Through his selfless and dedicated work in the New Evangelization, Bishop Morlino serves as a solid example of what it means to bring the hope of Jesus Christ to thousands of souls. Relevant Radio is personally blessed to have his support and to serve the Diocese of Madison through WHFA 1240 AM.”
Courageous leader
Msgr. Delbert Schmelzer, pastor emeritus in the Diocese of Madison and former director of the Society for the Propagation of the Faith in the diocese, gave the blessing at the dinner.
Monsignor Schmelzer said that for the past 12 years, Bishop Morlino “has been a courageous leader in our diocese. We ask God to shower him and the diocese with blessings.”
In introducing the honoree, Msgr. James Bartylla, vicar general of the Diocese of Madison, gave highlights of Bishop Morlino’s life, including his ordination as a Jesuit priest and later becoming a priest of the Diocese of Kalamazoo, Mich.
He was appointed as bishop of Helena, Mont., in 1999 and as bishop of Madison in 2003.
Spiritual father
Monsignor Bartylla called Bishop Morlino “a great promoter of the priesthood with a zeal for vocations.”
The vicar general, who had served as diocesan vocation director during part of the bishop’s time in Madison, noted that there were six seminarians when the bishop came to Madison and now there are 33 seminarians.
Monsignor Bartylla also pointed to the bishop’s “defense of the truth in and out of season.”
Since the award dinner was on St. Joseph’s feast day, Monsignor Bartylla observed that Bishop Morlino is a “spiritual father and friend to many of us.”
He said that the bishop shows a great “sensitivity to his priests” with a “gentleness that you don’t see in the public sphere.”
Monsignor Bartylla added, “The best 11 years of my life have been knowing and serving with him.”
Bishop receives award
A video was shown on the life of Bishop Morlino, followed by the presentation of the Christ Brings Hope Award by Father Hoffman.
Bishop Morlino responded with gratitude, saying, “I’m moved and humbled.”
He thanked Relevant Radio and said, “Anything I can do for Relevant Radio reasonably I will do.”
Bishop Morlino took the occasion to talk about the “battle” over the definition of marriage. “There have been setbacks in Wisconsin and our nation, but we never get into discouragement. The truth of marriage will win.”
In giving “deep gratitude” for the award, Bishop Morlino said, “I know my weaknesses and my mistakes, but I get up every day and do my best. I thank the people who pray for me.”
The bishop thanked members of the diocesan staff, starting with Monsignor Bartylla. “What would I do without him?” he asked.
Many of the diocesan staff members attended the dinner, as did hundreds of supporters of Relevant Radio.
Laura Karlen, development director at St. Ambrose Academy in Madison, gave a testimonial on the importance of Relevant Radio in her own life.
Relevant Radio Network
The Relevant Radio Network currently serves the Church with 38 stations reaching 18 states. There is a potential listening audience of 48.6 million people.
The network is accessible 24 hours a day via the airwaves, online, mobile app, and Web archives.
Go to www.relevantradio.com for more information.