Tag: Pope Francis

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Mary C. Uhler, Catholic Herald Staff

Our hearts break for Paris

Editor's View by Mary C. Uhler

When I heard about the terrorist bombings in Paris, my heart broke.

I visited Paris many years ago, and it is such a special city. It saddened me to hear that so many innocent people were killed and injured, apparently by three teams of Islamic State terrorists.

Although the French people had a reputation for being somewhat aloof, we found them to be friendly — especially when we spoke some French. Once we made the attempt to communicate with them, the Parisians usually spoke English with us.

Damage to historic places

But it was not only the loss of lives and the injuries that upset me. It was also the damage the terrorists might have caused to the city of Paris itself.

There are so many historic places in Paris, many of significance to the Catholic Church.

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Mary C. Uhler, Catholic Herald Staff

Mary is model of every vocation

This week, the Catholic Church in the United States is celebrating National Vocation Awareness Week.

It is an annual week-long observance dedicated to promoting vocations to the priesthood, diaconate, and Consecrated Life through prayer and education. It is also a time to renew our prayers and support for those who are considering one of these particular vocations.

This week’s Catholic Herald includes a special section with information on Church vocations. I hope people will read this section and perhaps share it with others who might not receive the paper, especially our young people.

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Bishop Robert C. Morlino

Building culture of mercy, accompaniment

Dear Friends,

Of late it seems that all roads — whether in Rome or at home — lead to one place, to one theme: mercy.

Just a week or two ago, many of us in the diocese were blessed to experience the presence of the major relics of St. Maria Goretti — the Church’s youngest canonized Saint and one of our greatest examples of mercy. If you do not know her story, I highly encourage you to learn about it.

The tour of St. Maria Goretti’s remains around the United States is part of a preparation for the Year of Mercy, which Pope Francis has announced and which will begin on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception — December 8.

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Dodie Weberpal

How about spending more time with Jesus?

To the editor:

What an inspiring and wonderful experience we had with Pope Francis. How amazing to see the thousands who traveled many miles and waited hours for even a glimpse of the Holy Father as he drove by.

Yet isn’t something wrong when we have Jesus, Himself, present on our altars for Adoration and the majority of us do not stop our “busy” lives for even an hour for a personal visit with Him?

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Terry Hansen

Climate change is a moral issue

To the editor:

Despite criticism from some politicians, the reason that it is appropriate for Pope Francis to call for action on climate change is because it is a moral issue.

In his book, A Perfect Moral Storm: The Ethical Tragedy of Climate Change, Stephen M. Gardiner writes that, although climate change is usually discussed in scientific and economic terms, “the deepest challenge is ethical.”

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Cathy Lins, Catholic Herald Correspondent

World Meeting of Families brings together over 17,000 people

Editor’s note: Cathy Lins and Marie Lins from the Diocese of Madison attended events surrounding the recent visit of Pope Francis to the United States. Marie Lins attended the entire World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia.

The World Meeting of Families (WMOF), held from September 22 to 25 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in downtown Philadelphia, was the largest in history with over 17,000 participants and over 100 countries represented.

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Mary C. Uhler, Catholic Herald Staff

Catholic Charities strengthens families

Pope Francis talked often about the family during his visit to the United States. Of course, his primary reason for traveling to our country was to attend the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia.

It’s obvious that Pope Francis really understands the realities of family life. He threw away his script at the Festival of Families in Philadelphia and talked candidly about family life. He said, “Families have difficulties. Families — we quarrel, sometimes plates can fly, and children bring headaches. I won’t speak about mothers-in-law,” he said.

“However, in families, there is always light” because of the love of God’s son, Jesus Christ,” he added.

As one of those mothers-in-law — and having one myself — I know there can be challenges. But I also remember that Pope Francis praised grandparents who bring so much wisdom and a sense of history to family life.

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Bishop Robert C. Morlino, Bishop of Madison

Holy Father proclaims the joy of the Gospel

Dear friends,

What a blessing it has been this amazing and eventful week as we’ve enjoyed the visit of our Holy Father, Pope Francis.

I had the privilege to be in Washington, D.C., for the activities of last Wednesday, including of course, the meeting of the Holy Father with the Bishops of the United States.

The loving support of the Holy Father for his bishops and of us for him, is altogether more than refreshing.

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Mary C. Uhler, Catholic Herald Staff

Holy Father gives us some homework!

This past week, many of us enjoyed watching and listening to Pope Francis as he visited the United States.

Thanks to the wonders of modern technology, we welcomed the Holy Father into our offices, classrooms, and homes.

I thought the media coverage — including much of the secular media — was outstanding. I even saw Bishop Robert Barron and George Weigel on MSNBC! And what a treat to listen to Fr. Francis “Rocky” Hoffman on Relevant Radio explain details of the papal Masses.

Many themes permeated the talks and homilies given by Pope Francis, including respect for all of creation from womb to tomb, protection of the earth, the importance of marriage and family life, dialogue with those of differing beliefs, and working for justice and peace in the world.

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Mary C. Uhler, Catholic Herald Staff

Pray for Pope Francis and World Meeting

This week, I have relinquished much of my space so that we can publish an important letter written by state scientists who support a ban on the use of human fetal tissue in research in Wisconsin.

I encourage our readers to pray for Pope Francis as he visits our country that his message of hope, love, and mercy is well-received.

Pray, too, for the success of the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia (see prayer below). Families are so important and must be nurtured and supported today.

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