In a recent interview, Msgr. James R. Bartylla, vicar general of the Diocese of Madison who worked with three of its five bishops, discussed how the diocese has grown and developed over its 75-year history.
Tag: Bishop Morlino
Diocese launched Priests for Our Future, encouraged building of new student center, church
From the time he became Bishop of Madison in 2003, Bishop Robert C. Morlino made the fostering of vocations to the priesthood his number one priority.
Bishop Morlino faced societal issues and economic downturn
During his time as leader of the Diocese of Madison, Bishop Robert C. Morlino faced a number of societal issues as well as a severe economic downturn.
Bishop Robert C. Morlino is appointed fourth Bishop of Madison in 2003
On May 23, 2003, Pope John Paul II appointed Bishop Robert C. Morlino as the fourth Bishop of Madison, succeeding Bishop William H. Bullock.
Beginning of new ministry dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus
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As I begin episcopal ministry in the great Diocese of Madison, the Lord has filled my spirit with joy, enthusiasm, and gratitude.
I am particularly thankful to Msgr. Jim Bartylla for his dedicated, effective, and loving leadership of the Diocese these past seven months.
Stepping into my new role has been easy because of his hard work. I am grateful to all the diocesan staff, the priests, permanent deacons, Religious, lay leaders, and the faithful who have all welcomed me with such kindness and love. I am already feeling very much at home!
Bishop Morlino’s legacy
We honor the legacy of Bishop Morlino as we continue to pray for him and lift him to the Lord.
I am grateful for his attention to growing the priesthood, the beauty and reverence of the liturgy, and the importance of faith formation for our leaders and people.
Msgr. James Bartylla discusses role as diocesan administrator
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| Msgr. James Bartylla |
MADISON — “The general rule is that a diocesan administrator can do whatever a diocesan bishop can do, but with some important limitations, and of course, a priest elected as the diocesan administrator isn’t a consecrated bishop, and therefore doesn’t possess the sacramental grace and character of the episcopacy,” said Msgr. James Bartylla in discussing his role as diocesan administrator of the Diocese of Madison.
On November 26, two days after the death of Bishop Robert C. Morlino, the College of Consultors — a body of nine diocesan priests — elected Monsignor Bartylla as diocesan administrator. He had been the vicar general for Bishop Morlino.
“Upon the death of a bishop, all vicars general and episcopal vicars lose their offices,” noted Monsignor Bartylla. “The College of Consultors assumes governance of the diocese upon the death of the bishop.”
However, all of the diocesan departments continue in full operation since the work of the diocese continues unabated through its parishes, entities, and diocesan curial offices in the multifaceted work of catechesis, evangelization, spreading the Gospel, and strengthening the faithful.
Bishop Morlino’s tribute section in paper speaks beautifully to a life well-lived
To the editor:
The December 6 issue of the Catholic Herald had tough competition from tree trimming, gift wrapping, and Christmas cards.
But I welcomed a “sit-down” to read the special “In Memoriam” section about Bishop Robert C. Morlino in the Herald. It speaks beautifully to a life well-lived.
Bishop Morlino had deep sense of gratitude
In the past 15 years that I’ve known Bishop Robert C. Morlino, one of the strongest memories of him is the deep sense of gratitude he showed to me and many others with whom he worked.
One of my last one-on-one conversations with him was marked by that gratitude. He thanked me for all I do as editor of the Catholic Herald and praised our paper as “one of the best” in the country. (He often told his staff at our monthly catechesis sessions that we were the best staff in the country.)
He then concluded our conversation by saying, “God love you.”
Most Reverend Robert Charles Morlino, D.D., S.T.D.
MADISON — The Most Reverend Robert Charles Morlino, age 71, Bishop of the Diocese of Madison, passed away on Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018 at 9:15 p.m. in SSM St. Mary’s Hospital, Madison, Wis.
Mass of reparation for sins of sexual abuse
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| Bishop Robert C. Morlino of Madison kneels in prayer with Fr. Scott Emerson, left, priest secretary and master of ceremonies to the bishop, and Msgr. James Bartylla, right, vicar general for the Diocese of Madison, at the start of Mass on September 14. The Mass at the Bishop O’Donnell Holy Name Oratory at Holy Name Heights in Madison was for the Feast of the Exultation of the Holy Cross and day of reparation for sins of sexual abuse by clergy and the episcopacy. (Catholic Herald photo/Kevin Wondrash) | ||
MADISON — “I want to pray today with you for those who have committed terrible sins, sins of sacrilege, sins that cry to heaven for vengeance,” said Bishop Robert C. Morlino of Madison.
His words came during a Mass on September 14 for the Feast of the Exultation of the Holy Cross and day of reparation for sins of sexual abuse by clergy and the episcopacy.
The Mass was held in the Bishop O’Donnell Holy Name Oratory at Holy Name Heights in Madison.
Repentance and reparation
After Bishop Morlino processed into Mass, he knelt before the altar, along with concelebrant Msgr. James Bartylla, vicar general for the diocese; Fr. Scott Emerson, priest secretary and master of ceremonies to the bishop; and Deacon Jim Hoegemeier, who later read the Gospel.
Everyone at the Mass knelt in silent prayer with the bishop.
Following this silent prayer, the bishop acknowledged a similar tone to Good Friday, as he was without his episcopal ring and crosier.
He reminded everyone, along with the repentance and sorrow felt for the actions recently come to light committed by priests and bishops, to acknowledge “our sins, not someone else’s.”
The Cross and healing
During his homily, Bishop Morlino, referenced the Gospel reading — “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him (John 3:17)” and said, “The very sight of the Cross brings healing.”