St. Francis of Assisi – Madison Catholic Herald Archive (2001-2025)

More than 50 years ago, a Capuchin priest gave his cousin, Nancy Lietz, a relic of St. Francis of Assisi.

Letters to the editor

On January 7, 2015

Thanks for work of volunteers who erected Nativity display at State Capitol

To the editor:

Thanks to Sr. Therese Wolf, FSPA, who receives the Catholic Herald and shares it with me, I keep abreast of the Madison area events.

I was delighted to read that the Nativity scene is now displayed at our State Capitol! Thank you, Geralyn Ketterman, a staunch pro-lifer with whom I’ve many memories of praying/witnesssing at the “former” Rockford Abortion Mill, distributing literature and many other human life promoting activities.

Editorial

On October 10, 2013February 15, 2022

Mary C. Uhler, Catholic Herald Staff

Loving our neighbor: Following in the footsteps of St. Francis and Pope Francis

When Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio received the 77 votes to become pope during the conclave on March 13, his friend, Cardinal Claudio Hummes of Brazil, told him, “Don’t forget the poor.”

Pope Francis took the words of his friend to heart and chose to be named after St. Francis of Assisi, “the man of poverty, the man of peace, the man who loves and protects creation.”

Respect for all human life

Time and time again, Pope Francis has emphasized the need for respect for all human life at all its stages, but especially for children (pre-born and born), the poor, the disabled, the sick, and the elderly.

In his October 4 visit to Assisi, the home of his namesake, Pope Francis — as he often does — took time to meet personally with sick and disabled persons. Man of them reached out to him, clasped his hand, and talked with him.

I couldn’t help think that St. Francis would have been so happy to see Pope Francis — the Vicar of Christ on earth — living out the Gospel message he preached in Assisi.

Forget the Church? It’s not the way to truly follow Jesus

A recent cover story in Newsweek magazine proclaimed, “Forget the Church: Follow Jesus.” This issue contained a story by Andrew Sullivan that in essence claimed that Christianity has been destroyed by politics, priests, and get-rich evangelists.

Editorial

On October 29, 2009February 15, 2022

Mary C. Uhler, editor

The road to world peace starts with each one of us

We laugh when women running for beauty crowns are asked about their goals in life and they say, “World peace.” We think it sounds silly to wish for such a lofty goal. How could one person make such a difference in the world — and achieve world peace, no less?

But upon reflection, I don’t think it’s an unattainable goal. Each of us can do our part to work for world peace. And I believe it’s tied in with respecting life, something to ponder as we conclude October as Respect Life Month.