We know the familiar story of Jesus’ birth. Mary and Joseph could find no room at an inn in Bethlehem, so Jesus — the son of God — was born in a humble stable.
We realize that the Roman emperor, Caesar Augustus, had decreed that a census should be taken, so that’s perhaps why the inns were full.
But the apparent lack of hospitality shown to a pregnant mother and father still should bother us. Why didn’t someone else give up their room for this expectant mother?
It is no coincidence that Pope Francis designated that the Year of Mercy should begin on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, celebrated on December 8.
In his announcement of the Year of Mercy, Pope Francis said, “I am convinced that the whole Church will find in this jubilee the joy needed to rediscover and make fruitful the mercy of God, with which all of us are called to give consolation to every man and woman of our time.
“From this moment, we entrust this Holy Year to the Mother of Mercy, that she might turn her gaze upon us and watch over our journey.”
PINE BLUFF — The Ladies of Divine Mercy will meet on Friday evening, Nov. 20, at St. Mary Church in Pine Bluff, 3673 CTH P, Cross Plains. All women are invited to attend.
The evening begins at 6 p.m. with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. An hour of Adoration will be followed by a reflection by Fr. David Carrano, pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Reedsburg and chaplain of Catholic Charismatic Renewal for the Diocese of Madison.
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PINE BLUFF — The second year of the Ladies of Divine Mercy will kick off on Friday, Sept. 18, with speaker Fr. Christopher Gernetzke, newly ordained priest of the diocese.
Ladies of Divine Mercy, modeled after the popular Knights of Divine Mercy, is a prayer apostolate which meets the third Friday of each month, September through April, at St. Mary of Pine Bluff Church, 3673 Co. Hwy. P, Cross Plains. The events are open to all women. Nursing mothers are welcome to bring their nurslings. The January and April events will be combined events with the Knights of Divine Mercy.
BLOOMINGTON — This summer, students from St. Mary School in Bloomington and others traveled to China as part of a school exchange with Shijiazhuang Middle School Number 40.
The goal of this program was to create unique friendships and positive connections with others and to bring a global experience to students in a positive setting.
Laura Tolle and her daughters Anna and Carolyn, Margie Duwe, Katelyn Zenz, Mel Mergen, and Julie Zenz lived with families and traveled with students in China as the first group from St. Mary School to visit China.
BRIGGSVILLE — On Sunday, Aug. 9, there will be a day honoring St. Philomena at St. Mary Help of Christians Church, N565 Highway A. The day will begin with Mass at 11 a.m. and a prayer service afterward at the outdoor National Shrine of St. Philomena. A community picnic will follow, put on by parishioners of St. Mary Help of Christians. It will be a time for sharing with fellow devotees and honoring St. Philomena. Religious items from Italy will be available for sale.
MONONA — Former Protestant minister Bruce Sullivan will present his life-changing conversion story at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 5101 Schofield St., on Thursday, July 23, from 7 to 9 p.m.
As a former Church of Christ minister, Bruce Sullivan was a zealous apostle for what he believed to be the true Gospel. As such, he was also ardently anti-Catholic. In fact, his dream was to be a missionary to the largest Catholic nation in the world — Brazil.
All of that changed, however, when he was confronted with the truth and beauty of the Catholic faith while trying to “evangelize” a Catholic family that had moved into his community.
