"Feast of St. Clare"

August 12, 2009

The Year for Priests

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Yesterday was the feast of St. Clare, the spiritual companion of St. Francis of Assisi and the patroness of television! The latter title stems from a story about her displaying the Blessed Sacrament in a small convent window while the convent was under attack by an invading army. (Her showing was an early precursor to TV.)  

On a personal note, it was also the 39th anniversary of my religious profession as a Franciscan. The day, and the event, allowed me an opportunity to tip my cap to all the faithful and generous religious of the archdiocese. We are indeed blessed to have so many different communities of religious men and women here in southeastern Wisconsin. Religious offer leadership in significant areas of health care, education, multicultural and parochial ministries. We also are blessed to have several congregations of contemplative life whose prayerful dedication offer support to all the ministries of our archdiocese. Religious life in the Church offers the gift of a variety of ministries and services following the charisms and attributes of many saints and religious founders.

We also mark the death of Eunice Kennedy Shriver, the founder of the Special Olympics in America. One of the reasons for her involvement in the Olympics was, of course, her developmentally-disabled sister Rosemary. Rosemary resided here in Wisconsin at St. Coletta’s, named for St. Coletta, the sister of St. Clare. There is still some great work going on at St. Coletta’s, check it out at www.stcolettawi.org.

Also, please keep in mind that Saturday is the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Mother. Normally it is a holy day of obligation, but since it falls on a Saturday this year, you are not obligated to attend Mass. However, don’t let the lack of a holy day of obligation keep you away from Mass. You are always welcome!

Faithfully in Christ,

Most Reverend William Patrick Callahan

Archdiocesan Administrator
Archdiocese of Milwaukee

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