As strange as it may seem to some of us, the time is almost May! With the early spring and negligible winter, we are confronted with a beautiful and symbolic month. It’s time once more for May Altars and May Crownings; all those wonderful rituals of our “cultural” faith that remind us of our deep love and admiration for the Mother of God.

The great Jesuit poet, Gerard Manley Hopkins (1844-1890) wrote a beautiful poem entitled: “The May Magnificat.” It begins simply enough:

May is Mary’s month, and I

Muse at that and wonder why –

There is, of course, much more to the poem, but for our purposes the object of the poet’s musing does stir some curiosity for us, I’m sure. As we know, the various months of the year are dedicated and held sacred for various aspects of our spiritual lives. For example, next month, we shall honor the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus in June, July the Most Precious Blood, and so forth.

May, however, is Mary’s month and it is certainly good for us to sanctify the time with Our Mother. Simply enough, May is the month filled with the somewhat steady growth of fresh blossoms and beautiful flowers. May is Mary’s month, the month for spring’s return of flowers. As the flowers return we honor Mary whom we call the “Mystical Rose.”

The Christian custom of dedicating the month of May to the Blessed Virgin arose at the end of the 13th century. In this way, the Church was able to Christianize the secular feasts that took place at various times. In the 16th century, books appeared and fostered this devotion.

The practice became especially popular among the members of the Society of Jesus – the Jesuits – and by 1700 it took hold among their students at their college in Rome and a bit later it was publicly practiced in the Church of the Gesu in Rome. From there it spread to the whole Church.

The month lends itself so perfectly for us to contemplate and celebrate Mary. It is typically Easter season, the time when we clearly reflect upon the newborn Church’s infancy. Who better to consider in this than our Mother, to whom our Blessed Savior Himself commended the Church as He died on the cross? Who better leads us to ponder the Mysteries of Salvation – the Risen Lord – the Descent of the Holy Spirit – than the Woman who led the Apostles in these very events when they took place in our history? This season of refreshment and renewal is part of God’s great audio-visual production – a great display of being, that is meant to remind us of His love and His life.

Mary’s unique place in salvation history is celebrated during the month of May in a big way with the Solemnity of the Ascension and Pentecost typically found in this month. Mary, as the Mother of the New People, leads us and helps the Apostles to form the Church. She, who guided Jesus Himself in His earthly life, guides His Bride, the Church, as she takes her first steps into the world in His name, filled with the Spirit of His mission.

I believe the words of Pope Paul VI, from his encyclical “The Month of May,” (April 29, 1965) can be of great consolation and inspiration to us as we begin the month of May, 2012.

We are delighted and consoled by this pious custom associated with the month of May, which pays honor to the Blessed Virgin and brings such rich benefits to the Christian people. Since Mary is rightly to be regarded as the way by which we are led to Christ, the person who encounters Mary cannot help but encounter Christ likewise. For what other reason do we continually turn to Mary except to seek the Christ in her arms, to seek our Savior in her, through her, and with her? To Him men are to turn amid the anxieties and perils of this world, urged on by duty and driven by the compelling needs of their heart, to find a haven of salvation, a transcendent fountain of life.

Because the month of May is a powerful incentive to more frequent and fervent prayers, and because our petitions more readily find access to her compassionate heart during it, it has been a favorite custom of our predecessors to choose this month, dedicated to Mary, for urging the Christian people to offer up public prayers whenever the needs of the Church demanded it or some grave crisis threatened the human race. This year, Venerable Brothers, we in turn feel compelled to call for such prayers from the whole Catholic world. Looking at the present needs of the Church and the status of world peace, We have sound reasons to believe that the present hour is especially grave and that a plea for concerted prayer on the part of all Christians is a matter of top priority.

…and I’ll see you at Sunday Mass!

I hear from more and more folks about their support of the bishops and our unified fight for religious freedom. Thank you. Your support in this effort is needed and appreciated more than you know. Please keep up the work. Stay in contact with our legislators in Washington. Let them know that you know this is an assault on American freedom. This is not a “war on women.” This is not a “contraception controversy.” This is a violation of our American civil liberty and a violation of the United States Constitution – an outrage to patriotic Americans.

Earlier today I read a post on the Campus Notes – The Cardinal Newman Society blog regarding Fr. Paul Scalia, son of Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, inviting Catholics to consider the model of St. Thomas More when defending their rights in this struggle. St. Thomas More, you will remember was beheaded for refusing to take the oath of loyalty to King Henry VIII after Henry divorced his wife, publically repudiated and displaced the pope, and set himself as the head of the church in England.

Fr. Scalia points out that history shows stunning signs of repetition in the current HHS mandate of the Administration. I share a bit of the article with you here.

We do well to recall this history in light of the unjust Health and Human Services mandate handed down this Jan. 20. The similarities are striking and instructive.

Just as in St. Thomas’ day it was a moral issue that precipitated the larger crisis, so also in our day. The Church’s teaching on contraception is at the core of this crisis. We can – and should – say many things about this teaching. It is one of the most important, challenging and beautiful of the Church’s doctrines. But the teaching itself – as important as it is – really just occasions another, broader issue. The crisis now before us between the bishops and the administration turns on the rights of the Church and the rights of man: the Church’s right of self-governance and the rights of individual conscience.

Henry VIII redefined the Church in England. It is not too much to say that by the HHS mandate, the administration seeks to do likewise in the United States. Cardinal Timothy Dolan, archbishop of New York, asks the question: Can a government bureau define for us or any faith community what is ministry and how it can be exercised? Of course not. The Church has the right to define herself and not be told by outside authorities what does or does not define her work.

And not only that, by certain statements, the administration and some members of Congress have, in effect, lectured the bishops about what the Church should do or think. By so doing, they have inserted themselves into the internal workings of the Church. For example, they have observed that many if not most Catholic women use contraception at some point, and therefore we should not make an issue of the mandate.

Unfortunately, their observation has some legitimacy: This has been one of the most neglected teachings of the Church in the past 40 or so years. Sadly, there has been a great deal of confusion, division and sometimes disobedience regarding it. But these are issues for the Church herself to address. Such internal matters of the Church are certainly not the business of public authorities to lecture us on or, worse, to exploit for political purposes. All we ask is that the Church be allowed to be the Church – without any outside coercion regarding our identity, doctrine and ministry. We do not need government officials to tell us who we are, what we believe or what our ministry is. We know these things well.

There is a second similarity between St. Thomas More’s crisis and our own. Henry VIII’s actions did not end with the Church as an institution. They extended to individuals, beginning with Thomas More in his retirement. So also this present crisis concerns not only the rights of the Church as an institution but also the right of every individual not to have his conscience forced. Since the mandate is imposed not only on Catholic institutions, but on all providers of employee health insurance, the individual Catholic as private citizen will suffer the injustice of this law. Just as Thomas More was not left unoppressed, neither will the individual Catholic be today. He too can be made to violate his conscience by conformity to this ruling.

Finally, there is a third parallel between our crisis and More’s. Just as Catholics were penalized in England, so also – as Cardinal Francis George, archbishop of Chicago, has speculated – the Church and individual Catholic employers may have to pay a fine for not obeying the mandate. In effect, a fee to be Catholic.

Fr. Scalia points out that while history tends to repeat itself, it does not inevitably do so. If it does, however, then we must deliberately choose to imitate – to repeat – the witness of St. Thomas More.

You can read the piece by Fr. Scalia in its entirety at these links: the  Arlington Catholic Herald, the Catholic News Agency and The Cardinal Newman Society

Stay informed and I’ll see you at Sunday Mass!

I take this opportunity to wish you a Blessed Easter, everyone. This is a most spectacular event and it colors all of our lives – everyday! This event in our human history unites us with divinity in a most extraordinary and irrevocable way. This is where hope is born and sustained in the life of the human being. We are created by God so that we may live with God. If we can keep our eyes pretty well fixed on that reality, we can make some tremendous achievements at enduring some of the extreme challenges that face us this side of paradise.

We tend to take far too simplistic a view to the great feasts – the truly historic events – of our salvation. We tend to see things in little pictures. At Christmas, we see the Baby Jesus in the manger; during Lent, we see a Man of Sorrows; at Easter, the Risen Christ; at Ascension, the “disappearing” Jesus; and the rest of year, there is very little thought of his presence and impact on our daily lives. It’s almost like we are believing what the world believes: “if you can’t see it, it doesn’t exist.” Baloney!

I invite you to enter into the light of Christ this Easter. Make a plan to move into the awareness of mystery in your life – the mystery of Christ present everyday, with you and beside you, close to you and within you. In every feast the Church has the whole of Christ’s life present before Her, even when She selects a special time to celebrate particular events – Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter, etc. All of this revolves around two significant and earth shaking events: the death and resurrection of Jesus. These events are always in front of the eyes of the believer. Jesus has died for us and He is risen from the dead for us.

We celebrate these events at every Mass. The Mass is not just a ritual that is performed for us because the Church made a rule for us to be there. The Mass expresses our very selves filled with a knowledge and hope of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, gloriously alive, right now.

I find this knowledge and hope to be a great comfort and strength for me as I strive to make my way in this world that seems to be filled with so many contrary ideas. So much death, so much pain, so much desire for things we cannot afford and do not need.

I need to know that I am loved. I need to know that, no matter what, someone cares for me more than I could ever dream – He is my Savior. He is alive. I know it and it is here that I find my consolation and the energy to live another day confident of his return – just for me!

Blessed Easter, everybody; and I’ll see you at Sunday Mass!

This week I had to go to the hospital for a blood draw in preparation for a doctor’s visit. For those of you who may be wondering about this, please don’t be. As Sergeant Friday would say, “Purely routine.” Of course, blood draws mean needles and I hate needles – I am a big fat scaredy-cat about needles! This time the poor phlebotomist had to “search” for a vein. That means poking and then moving the needle around until she could find the vein. She knew she was hurting me – big strong man that I am. She informed me that she was going to have to poke me again because the vein just got away … (Those pesky veins, you’ve gotta watch ‘em all the time!)

So, what’s my point? The best way that I make any sense of all this “blood-letting” is to unite my “suffering” with that of Jesus. I am certain that there are so many folks who can read these words right now suffering much more than I every day, in so many ways. God bless you, folks, I pray for you daily.

The suffering of people has so much value when it is united to the suffering of Jesus. The suffering of Jesus accomplishes our salvation and our entry into the Kingdom of Heaven. Our participation in that suffering goes a long way in participating in what Jesus did for us. Hope you can think about that the next time you get a shot – or a blood draw – or when a pain runs through your body.

Holy Week already. There is so much to offer your prayers for. Please try to get to the Cathedral on Tuesday for the Chrism Mass at 10:30 AM. The new chrism will be consecrated at that Mass. All the babies who will be baptized this year – all the adults who will be baptized this year – all the young people who will be confirmed this year – all the new priests who will be ordained this year – all of them will be anointed with this new Chrism! I sure hope you will join all the priests and many of your brothers and sisters from throughout the diocese for this wonderful celebration of our unity and for the great celebration of the institution of the priesthood of Jesus Christ. Please join us to congratulate our priests as they once again renew their solemn commitment to remain celibate, obedient, and loyal as priests in the Roman Catholic Church. This ceremony ushers in the great Triduum – the Sacred Three Days – when we remember the actions of Jesus that led to His Passion and Death and our Eternal Salvation! The climax, of course, is Easter Sunday and the joyful celebration of our new life in Christ through His Rising from the dead!

All of these celebrations will take place at our Cathedral or at a Catholic church near your home. If you have never done so, this may be the year for you to join your brothers and sisters and me to celebrate the central mysteries of our Faith by joining in some of the most impressive and symbolic liturgical expressions and rituals you’ve even seen in your life. The central mysteries of our faith – Christ, who was dead, is alive – to the glory of God the Father and the Eternal Life of all who believe in Him! Amen! Alleluia!

Now do you know why I’ll see you at Sunday Mass??!!

I always believe that some of the best things in Lent are observable because we are taking our time – going slowly enough to take notice!

Yesterday, my day was filled – there was very little time to do much of anything except what was already scheduled. Nevertheless, my first meeting was with a team from CRS – Catholic Relief Services. I nearly cancelled the meeting the day before because of the crowded schedule, but I was so happy when I started talking with the CRS representatives. I serve on the CRS Board as part of my committee service to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. I’m part of the Budget-Finance Committee.

Nevertheless, we talked about all the good things that CRS does for people all over the world and how our own diocese is involved in the process with them. Hopefully, on my upcoming (September) trip to visit Father Bob Flock in Bolivia, I will be able to take some time and visit with the CRS people in Bolivia and extend our diocesan involvement with this Catholic world-wide charitable organization. CRS has been involved in emergency disaster relief in Haiti and Japan. They are, in a way, the world-wide extension of Catholic Charities. How good it is for us to take time and think about the good they accomplish for the poor, homeless, and devastated people around the world in the name of Jesus.

Secondly, I was quite surprised to visit with one of our priests who has put together a funding request from an international foundation for some youth activities in our diocese. As much as I was frazzled at the beginning of the day, I was so taken by the generosity and thoughtfulness of one of our priests who was taking such time for the young people of his parish. I was thinking: “O, brother, more work to do…” Little did I realize that father only needed a short and sweet letter of confirmation from me about the fact that he is who he says he is and the work he’s doing is real in the diocese; … Slow down and think about the blessings!

Today, during a rather full meeting of the Deans’ Council, I was sharing the work that is necessary in our Catholic schools to help focus on Catholic identity. One of the Deans told me that we are always so busy that they rarely get the chance to tell me all the good things that are going on in our schools and there are so many good things to tell!

Saturday I get to meet with the Diocesan Pastoral Council and discuss the role of the Lay Faithful of Christ – the Laity in the Church. What a blessing that will be. As we gear up for the coming Year of Faith and the celebration of the 50^th  Anniversary of Vatican II and the 20^th Anniversary of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, I am taking some time to reflect on the call of Jesus in the Church. There are so many called and gifted faithful people who have responded to God’s grace and offer themselves up as living stones to build the wonderful Church of Jesus Christ.

As we approach Holy Week it is good to take some time and move a bit more slowly through our normal routines and give thanks for the ordinary things that fill our days and for the extraordinary people whom God has given us to remind us why He came in the first place – He loves us.

Celebrate at Sunday Mass.

I am returning from the last – thanks be to God – of the travels for bishops’ meetings and seminars, at least before Easter. There is nothing better than to come home and sleep in my own bed!

Something very interesting happened on this last trip, though, and I’d like to share my joy about it with you. As I was waiting at Reagan Airport in Washington, for the plane to Chicago, a man came up to me and offered me his seat in first class. I was really surprised and very happy for his offer, but I had already received an upgrade from the airline. Nevertheless, we struck up a conversation. He didn’t know I was a bishop, he thought I was a priest. I told him his generosity was appreciated no matter what.

He was a convert of about six years to Catholicism and he was still pretty happy and excited about it. He told me the story of the priest who had helped in his catechesis and what a strong and positive example of the faith he was for him in a very difficult and strange time in his life. The priest seemed to offer Catholicism in such a positive and loving way – as the true and personal message of Jesus – that the man felt joy, forgiveness, and acceptance in some whole new ways for himself and for others.

I was impressed by his unabashed joy. Sometimes that can be a little embarrassing. But there was a sense of serenity and peace that made me a lot more joyful myself – and very happy and proud to be in the same fraternity as that priest who had made such a profound and lasting impression on this man.

One of the things that I said to the pope during our personal meeting in Rome was: “Thank you for the ‘Year for Priests.’” I thanked the pope for initiating that year of celebration and recognition for priests around the world. I think it accomplished a great deal to raise the consciousness of all Catholics who need to know what a sacrifice it is for a man to accept God’s calling to be a priest and how significant their lives are in service to men and women in the name and person of Jesus Christ.

I know that I brag about our priests a lot, wherever and when I can; but I was really happy to hear some “good news” from another sector of the Faithful who not only told me a great story of his respect and love for his priest/mentor, but also was willing to put his gratitude in action.

You know, it is never too late to tell your priest that he is doing a good job or that you appreciate their work and ministry. I know none of us is perfect and that not every priest is as “inspiring” as we might like; but it is important to remember that God chooses from among simple men His great works to manifest.

Please keep them in your prayers, especially in these days when the challenges are becoming so much more blatant against the truths of our faith. We need those good priests to be solid in their faith and strong examples for us to manifest that faith to others. You might not want to give up your seat in first class, but you never know how you might show Christ to others because of the work of a good priest in your life!

…I’ll see you at Sunday Mass!

On a recent trip through Chicago, I had a chance to grab some time for lunch with my sister Bobbie. It was one of those “spur of the moment” situations – she doesn’t like it when I don’t give her enough advance warning to prepare – but we made the most of it. We talked about all sorts of things – as we usually do; but this time, I really used her as a laboratory to test what the “average Catholic” knew or felt about the recent news concerning the fight for religious freedom. I was happy to see that she was quite on target and told me that: “It’s like being forced to do something against your conscience.” Well, yes, it’s exactly that. I am happy that she, who at that point was representing an official Catholic response for me, hit the nail right on the head.

I think she understands that I am trying to keep that point alive in the minds and the hearts of people throughout my diocese and in solidarity with my brother bishops all around the country. I had the opportunity to meet with the Presbyteral Council last week and I am so proud – as always – that they are in complete unity about our stance in this matter. I asked them to increase their preaching concerning the focus on this issue correctly as the First Amendment struggle it is, and to avoid any political leaning: either to the left or the right.

In my travels across the diocese, I am so happy to hear of the support from the people for the bishops and for the efforts to keep a clear mind concerning this historic debate in our country. With the efforts of the Office for Social Concerns and the Office for Family Life, we will be launching a new initiative to instruct students in some basic civics and religion lessons to clarify the current events for our young people who may be hearing too much from the secular media and not enough from us.

In the future, you will be hearing some more news about the pope’s presentations for the bishops of the United States during their Ad Limina visits. His most recent address to the bishops of the Great Plains (Regions VIII and IX) concerning Marriage and the Family is of course significant and I will be passing along that info for you the next time. Thanks so much for your support and for your prayers. God be with you.

As always, I’ll see you at Sunday Mass!

It is necessary to continue to clarify some of the ideas involved in the current struggle over First Amendment – Religious Liberties – issues. These circumstances seem to change daily and it helps to stay informed.

It further helps to keep in mind: religious liberty is a fundamental right of everyone. This right does not depend on any government’s decision to grant it: it is God-given, and just societies recognize and respect its free exercise. The free exercise of religion extends well beyond the freedom of worship. So it is different from freedom of worship. Our freedom to practice our religion and to live according to our deeply held beliefs is different from simply being able to go to a church for an hour on Sunday. Our religious liberty also forbids government forcing people or groups to violate their most deeply held religious convictions, and from interfering in the internal affairs of religious organizations.

Recent actions by the Administration have attempted to reduce this free exercise to a “privilege” arbitrarily granted by the government as a mere exemption from an all-encompassing, extreme form of secularism. The exemption allowed by the government is too narrowly defined because it does not exempt most non-profit religious employers, the religiously-affiliated insurer, the self-insured employer, the for-profit religious employer, or other private businesses owned and operated by people who rightly object to paying for abortion-inducing drugs, sterilization, and contraception. Furthermore, because it is instituted only by executive whim, even this unduly narrow exemption can be taken away easily.

In the United States, religious liberty does not depend on the benevolence of who is regulating us. It is our first freedom and respect for it must be broad and inclusive – not narrow and exclusive. Catholics and other people of faith and good will are not second-class citizens. It is not for the government to decide which of our ministries is “religious enough” to warrant religious freedom protection.

Another very important thing to keep in mind: this is not just about contraception, abortion-causing drugs, and sterilization – although all should recognize the injustices involved in making them part of a universal mandated health care program. It is not a woman’s health issue – pro or con “reproductive health” concerns. It is not about Republicans or Democrats, conservatives or liberals. It is about the American people – people of faith. This is first and foremost a matter of religious liberty that concerns allAmericans – indeed, all people everywhere. If the government can, for example, tell Catholics that they cannot be in the insurance business today without violating their religious convictions, where does it end? This violates the constitutional limits on our government, and the basic rights upon which our country was founded.

So, please follow this issue carefully and be attentive to making your opinion known in Washington. Our Wisconsin senators split their votes Thursday as the “Respect for Rights of Conscience Act” was defeated in a 51-48 vote. Stay informed. Above all, keep on praying. We bishops, and so many other people of good will, are counting on your prayers. Thank you so much for all the support you have offered so far. We are moving the stone up the hill…

…and I’ll see you at Sunday Mass.

This week has been extraordinary. Fr. Michael Gorman and I had the chance to meet the Holy Father on Friday – before the snow started, again. Then, we bishops of Wisconsin, Illinois and Indiana had the opportunity to meet privately with the pope and discuss various aspects of the life of the Church in our particular dioceses. Each one of us couched our comments to the Holy Father in the light of his own writings or public statements. The Holy Father was deeply engaged in our dialogue and responded with characteristic wisdom and humor. We certainly felt comfortable with him and it was clear he enjoyed our visit as well. In spite of the trappings of the Vatican Palace, we all felt quite comfortable around our Chief Shepherd!

A visit to the Congregation for the Causes of Saints was also very enlightening for me. As you know, I am eager to launch the cause for the beatification and canonization of Fr. Joe Walijewski, one of our great diocesan priests, who worked tirelessly in Bolivia and Peru and established our beloved Casa Hogar Juan Pablo II orphanage just outside of Lima. Well, I found out so much about the initiation of causes. As I figured, the cause must start in Lurin, Peru with the bishop there. I have already sent two letters to the bishop and have not heard back. So I will try phoning Fr. Sebastian and setting up a time when we can all get on the phone together and get this very important task moving!

Other important Curia offices are still on our lists and the bishops are enjoying each other’s company and trying to keep warm. It is cold in Rome and more snow than I have seen back home! Preparation is underway for Saturday’s Consistory. Fr. Gorman and I have ring-side seats!

I am closely following the events back home regarding the assault on our First Amendment rights. Do not be misled, folks, this is a basic constitutional matter that affects the liberty of all Americans and, in our case, particularly Catholics. This is not a “contraception controversy” as the Administration would have it spun. Keep to the facts and stay informed. Keep close at www.usccb.org for the most complete and accurate responses from the bishops. Please let our representatives in Congress know that we are aware of the significance of this issue for the future of genuine American justice and liberty. We have a voice.

You are all, especially the sick and homebound, remembered at daily Masses celebrated in all the major basilicas of Rome and in our Masses at the seminary! Frs. Gorman and Burrill join me in sending our greetings back home. God be with you.

…and I’ll see you at Sunday Mass.

Here I am sitting at O’Hare International Airport in my old hometown of Chicago. I always used to enjoy flying into Chicago because it meant I was “home” and only had to get out of the terminal as fast as possible! Not anymore. I am just one more passenger along with all the others on our way to “someplace.”  Well, this time I really am on my way to someplace – Vatican City and my first ad limina visit to the pope. For me, this is very exciting and a little nerve racking, to be quite frank.

I love Rome and I love the Holy Father. When you put them both together and tell me that I am going to be in Rome with the Holy Father – even for a little while – it is a big deal. I sometime think that many Catholics have lost the sense of what our name is all about: the Roman Catholic Church. I often hear some people refer to us as the American Catholic Church. This is a little misleading. More correct would be the Roman Catholic Church in the United States. That would help us to clarify and more clearly identify some basic points that are being debated in the media, in the courts, and in the houses of Congress these days. But I have already addressed some of those issues with you.

Today, I think it’s just important for you to know that I am en route to Rome and looking forward to taking you with me in prayer and in thought. I have already received word from Father Jeff Burrill, one of our fine priests from the diocese, who is currently serving on the staff of the North American College, where Father Michael Gorman and I will be staying for the next two weeks. Father Burrill has told us that we will not be missing our Wisconsin home too much because Rome currently looks like a winter wonderland! And he sent pictures! Almost a foot of snow – and for Rome that’s enormous! They haven’t had that much snow in the last 22 years, and longer before that. I am not looking forward to this Roman winter… But it won’t last, probably be gone by the time Father Gorman and I arrive.

The exciting thing is meeting with the other 18 bishops from Wisconsin, Illinois, and Indiana, who make up Region VII of the central part of the United States. We are all prepared to report about our dioceses, all excited about our work, and happy to let the Holy Father and the Roman offices know about it. I don’t know what day we will meet with the pope. I will keep you posted about that and try to stay connected this way for the time of our visit.

Please know that you will be with both Father Gorman and me as we make our way to be with the pope. There are many good things to report about our diocese. This is the first time that I will have to report and I sure look forward to it. I am grateful that Father Gorman is with me since he knows everything about our diocese. Father Burrill will join us for some of the sessions since he lives in Rome and knows the system and the language. He will be an asset.

I am starting to get a cold and cough – not a good sign. But I sure do plan to participate in all of these exciting spiritual and historic events. Please keep us in prayers and be assured of mine. God be with you – and across the miles…

I’ll see you at Sunday Mass!