From the Diocese of Madison: Catholics of the Diocese of Madison will solemnly lay Bishop Robert C. Morlino to rest on Tuesday, December 4th. As announced earlier this week, Bishop Morlino died on Saturday, November 24th, at the age of 71, at SSM St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison. The Funeral Arrangements for Bishop Morlino are as follows: A Prayer Vigil, with opportunity for visitation, will be held Monday, December 3rd, at the O’Donnell Chapel at Holy Name Heights, 702 S. High... Read more
A worthwhile idea for every state, really: An effort is underway to consecrate California to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. And all California Catholics are invited to take part. Many will gather in prayer from noon-2 p.m. local time Dec. 8, the feast of the Immaculate Conception, at several participating parishes statewide. The basic schedule calls for Mass to be celebrated at noon, followed by a walk to a designated location where the rosary and special consecration prayers will be... Read more
Details: Although many Badgers’ prayers were not answered Saturday in a tough loss to Northwestern, three super fans clad in red and white habits blessed Camp Randall to lift fallen spirits. Sister Mary Touchdown, Sister Hail Mary and Sister Mary Bucky—also known as the Badger Nuns—religiously attended all but one home game this season, where their infectious team spirit helped rally fans. “We are just passionate about the Badgers,” Sister Mary Touchdown said. “We love going to the games, rallying... Read more
The official release from the diocese: The Most Rev. Robert C. Morlino, Bishop of Madison, died yesterday, Saturday, November 24th, at approximately 9:15 pm at St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison. He was 71 years old. Please pray for the repose of his soul, for his friends and coworkers, and for all of the faithful of the Diocese of Madison. Information regarding funeral arrangements will be forthcoming. As Bishop of Madison, Bishop Morlino’s three expressed priorities were: to increase the number... Read more
From the diocesan Facebook page: Your urgent prayers are needed –The following message was sent to the priests of the Diocese of Madison, from our Vicar General, Msgr. James Bartylla, moments ago: Dear Brothers in Christ, Thank you for all of your prayers in recent hours. I write with an update of heavy news in regards to our beloved Bishop Robert Morlino. Whereas yesterday morning held a number of good reasons for hope for the recovery of the bishop, today... Read more
This news almost got lost in the holiday shuffle, but it was released Wednesday: Fewer U.S. women are having abortions than at any time since Roe v. Wade, according to new government figures released Wednesday. In 2015, the most recent year for which data is available, a total of 638,169 abortions were reported, a decrease of 2 percent from 652,639 abortions in 2014. The abortion rate was 11.8 abortions per 1,000 women ages 15-44 in 2015, compared with 12.1 in 2014... Read more
It’s happening in the U.K. Does anyone know where else they have started doing this? Details: Catholic priests in England and Wales are being issued with photo cards, ending the days when a dog collar and an air of piety were enough to confirm their credentials. The plastic, credit card-sized document includes a passport-style photograph of the priest, an expiry date and a barcode, which, when scanned, provides information on the holder. The cards are signed by the bishop of the priest’s... Read more
Singing nuns for the tree lighting? This may be a first. Details: A group of Catholic sisters will be singing at this year’s National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at the White House. According to the White House’s official website for the event, this American tradition dates back to 1923 when President Calvin Coolidge walked from the White House to the Ellipse park to light a 48-foot fir tree covered with colored bulbs. A local choir and a “quartet” from the U.S. Marine Band... Read more
Details: The family of an American missionary has forgiven the native tribe which killed him when he arrived uninvited on their island last week and are urging authorities not to hold anyone but him responsible for his death. John Chau, 27, was killed on North Sentinel Island last week as he attempted to visit the tribe. Local fisherman reported seeing the tribe drag his body days after Chau paid them to take him as close as they would to the island... Read more
From a statement sent out this morning: On the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, the Feast of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Bishop Robert Morlino was undergoing planned medical tests and had a cardiac event. Thankfully, he was in precisely the right place for such an event to occur and the healthcare professionals reacted expertly. At present, Bishop Morlino is resting and the doctors continue in their diagnostic and prognostic work. Per the Bishop’s preference, the decision was made not... Read more
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