blessed john paul ii – Madison Catholic Herald Archive (2001-2025)

Pope Francis’ bold decisions to canonize Blessed John XXIII without the normal post-beatification miracle and to link good Pope John’s canonization ceremony to that of Blessed John Paul II just may help re-orient Catholic thinking about modern Catholic history.

For what Francis is suggesting, I think, is that John XXIII and John Paul II are the twin bookends of the Second Vatican Council — and thus should be canonized together.

Summoning an ecumenical council

On January 25, 1959, less than three months after his election, John XXIII surprised the Catholic world by announcing that he would summon the 21st ecumenical council in history.

Editorial

On April 24, 2014February 15, 2022

Mary C. Uhler, Catholic Herald Staff

It’s more than one day: Pope Francis reminds us to continue to share Easter joy

In our fast-paced world, it seems as if one holiday is barely done and we’re starting to get ready for the next one on the horizon.

This is especially true in the greeting card sections of our stores. The Mother’s Day cards have been on display for a few weeks (even though Mother’s Day was a month away at the time), and the graduation cards are on the racks. Before we know it, the Halloween cards will be making their appearance!

We should have time to savor each special day in our lives and not be rushing past any of the religious or secular holidays.

Continue to celebrate Easter

However, Easter should be the definite exception to our quick celebrations. That’s because Easter is more than just one day, as Pope Francis reminded thousands of visitors gathered in St. Peter’s Square on Easter Monday. In fact, he told them to celebrate Easter all through the week — and beyond.

Letters to the editor

On July 18, 2013

Paul Kokoski

Blessed John Paul II was model witness to Christ

To the editor:

I am thrilled that Pope John Paul II, a man of deep faith, will soon be proclaimed a saint by the Catholic Church! The Holy Father was an inspiration and a model witness to the life of Christ; a shepherd of truth immersed in profound humility and immense love for both God and man.

His many writings and tireless, worldwide pilgrimages of faith have been a source of strength, encouragement, confidence, optimism, and enlightenment not only to Catholics but to all men of good will.

Letters to the editor

On May 19, 2011

Bob Penzkover

Social justice is clearly explained by Father Sirico

To the editor:

Fr. Robert Sirico has a special knack for applying the tenets of our Catholic faith to the socio-political world in which we live. His article “‘Social Justice’ is a complex concept” in the April 14 issue of the Catholic Herald clearly explains how the free market enables the most efficient workplace rewards for all who choose to labor.

Our Christian faith doesn’t demand that everyone, regardless of effort, receive equal compensation. Our government should certainly provide for equal opportunities for all.

Bishop Morlino's Columns

On May 3, 2011May 10, 2021

Bishop Robert C. Morlino

Divine Mercy sums up the story of Lent, Easter

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.

This past Sunday was a wonderful celebration in so many ways. And the Gospel from Sunday — the second Sunday of Easter — was simply spectacular.

In John 20:19-31 we see Jesus appearing to the Apostles in His risen body and using the greeting, “Peace be with you.” The peace Jesus means, of course, is the peace of heaven — that “Shalom,” that total well being, which is part of heavenly joy and heavenly rest. The peace that Jesus means is the peace of heaven itself.

Jesus died so that sins may be forgiven

And what does Jesus say after that? “Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.” An essential part of the heavenly peace and joy, and the whole point of Jesus’ death and resurrection, is the forgiveness of sins! Jesus’ body was broken and His blood was poured out so that sins might be forgiven, so that there might be mercy. Essential to the heavenly “Shalom,” contained in Jesus’ greeting, is that His mercy is poured out upon us, that sins are forgiven.