Passing of Bishop John Paul - Fr. Louis Bulletin Letter - March 12, 2006
In your charity, please pray for the repose of the soul of Bishop John Joseph Paul (1918-2006), Seventh Bishop of La Crosse (1983-1994), who died last Sunday morning. Bishop Paul ordained me to the priesthood (1989) assigning me as the Associate Rector of the Cathedral of Saint Joseph the Workman and later giving me my first pastorate at Saint John the Baptist in Plum City. As a young man, Bishop Paul was an amazing athlete and could have pursued a career in professional baseball. The Lord’s plan for John Paul, however, was the priesthood, which he wholeheartedly embraced. You may be interested to know that Bishop Paul was a frequent visitor to Saint Peter’s in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s as he and our former pastor, Father Gerald Fisher, were very close friends. “All-powerful God, you made John Joseph Paul your servant, the guide of your family. May he enjoy the reward of all his work and share the eternal joy of his Lord” (from the Sacramentary).
This Friday, March 17, is the Memorial of Saint Patrick the Apostle of Ireland. Already a bishop, Patrick arrived in Ireland in 432. He converted some of the native heads of clans and brilliantly used various elements of Celtic culture to proclaim the Gospel. It is interesting to note that Ireland is the only country in western Europe in which the Church was established without the blood of martyrs. Patrick died on March 17, 461. As Saint Patrick’s feast falls on the Second Friday of Lent this year, Bishop Listecki, in accord with canon 87 of the Code of Canon Law, has dispensed the faithful of the La Crosse Diocese from the required observance of abstinence from meat on that day. However, the Bishop also requires that those who make use of this dispensation must choose another day during the Second Week of Lent as a day of abstinence from meat. “Father in heaven, you sent the great bishop Patrick to the people of Ireland to share his faith and to spend his life in loving service. May our lives bear witness to the faith we profess and our love bring others to the peace and joy of your Gospel” (from the Sacramentary).
At Saint Peter’s the Blessed Sacrament is exposed for your adoration and prayer each Lenten Wednesday (following the 5:15 pm Mass until 8:45 pm) and Friday (following the 8:00 am Mass until 5:00 pm). As I mentioned in last week’s column, each week this Lent we dedicate the period of Exposition to prayer for a special intention. The prayer intention for the Second Week of Lent is God’s blessings on those living the consecrated life (religious men and women) and all the clergy – bishops, priests and deacons – especially Pope Benedict XVI, Bishop Listecki, and those ministering in our Diocese of La Crosse, in particular the priests of Saint Peter’s. Please, remember that intention in your personal and family prayer as well.
Saint Peter, pray for us! Saint Patrick, pray for us!