The Catholic Post Month: May 2018

“Upgrade” (BH Tilt)

By: Jennifer Willems - May 31, 2018 - Movie Review

Betty Gabriel and Logan Marshall-Green star in a scene from the movie "Upgrade." The Catholic News Service classification is L -- limited adult audience, films whose problematic content many adults would find troubling. (CNS/Universal Pictures)

By Catholic News Service Brief but excessively graphic scenes of bloodletting mar this otherwise mildly interesting sci-fi thriller, set in a recognizable version of the future. Left a widower and a quadriplegic after a seemingly random attack by a group of thugs (led by Benedict Hardie), an auto mechanic (Logan Marshall-Green) agrees to let a […]

Joy fills cathedral at ordination Mass for Father Mattingly and Father O’Brien

By: Tom Dermody - May 30, 2018 - Featured Article

Newly ordained Father Ryan Mattingly and Father Andru O'Brien join Bishop Daniel R. Jenky, CSC, on the balcony of the Bishop's Residence for the traditional photo after the Mass of Ordination at St. Mary's Cathedral on May 26. Also pictured are, from left, Msgr. James Kruse, vicar general; Father Timothy Hepner and Father Patrick Henehan, diocesan vocation directors of recruitment and formation; Msgr. Paul Showalter, vicar general; and Abbot Philip Davey of St. Bede Abbey. (The Catholic Post/Jennifer Willems)

Father Ryan M. Mattingly and Father Andru E. O’Brien were ordained priests of the Diocese of Peoria on May 26 in ancient rites celebrated before family, friends, nearly 100 priests, dozens of consecrated women, and hundreds of other well-wishers that filled St. Mary’s Cathedral. “On this beautiful day there are a lot of happy people […]

Visitation, funeral Mass on evening of May 29 for Sr. Concepta Marie Nudo, OSF

By: The Catholic Post - May 29, 2018 - News Article

Sister Concepta Marie Nudo, OSF

WEST PEORIA — Sister Concepta Marie Nudo, OSF, a member of the Sisters of St. Francis of the Immaculate Conception for 70 years, died on May 25, 2018, at Mother of Peace Home here. She was 91. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. today, May 29, at Immaculate Conception Convent, 2408 W. […]

Fr. Byabato ‘doubly blessed’ to serve as pastor, Galesburg hospital chaplain

By: Jennifer Willems - May 29, 2018 - Uncategorized

GALESBURG — Born in Bukoba, Tanzania, in East Africa, Father Deus-Dedit B. Byabato was accepted into the minor seminary in 1979. He said 200 had applied, but only 50 were selected, and of those 50, he was one of five seminarians who went on to ordination. He was drawn to the priesthood by the happiness […]

Fr. Jeffery Small, ordained 25 years ago, is now serving as a hospital chaplain

By: The Catholic Post - May 29, 2018 - Uncategorized

Born in Racine, Wisconsin, Father Jeffery Small attended St. Francis Seminary in Milwaukee from 1986 to 1989. He earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy with a minor in theology from Marquette University in 1989, and completed studies for the priesthood at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary in Emmitsburg, Maryland. Father Small has served as parochial vicar […]

Prior to ordination 25 years ago, God had called Fr. Thomas Gibson ‘Suddenly’

By: Jennifer Willems - May 29, 2018 - Uncategorized

HOOPESTON — After attending vows ceremonies and ordinations for three older brothers, Father Thomas Gibson had no intention of becoming a priest. That changed “Suddenly” as he was preparing for his senior year at the University of Notre Dame. “I worked as a stockbroker during the summers. The summer before senior year I actually landed […]

25 years in priesthood, ‘little way’ of holiness bring Fr. Menner fulfillment

By: Jennifer Willems - May 29, 2018 - Uncategorized

PENFIELD — While he admired faithful priests and prayed the rosary daily, Father Michael Menner didn’t plan to be a priest. “I tell people that I always wanted to marry a good girl and did not think much beyond that path of adventure,” he said. “I was in the business world for seven years and […]

‘To love like Jesus loves’ is a key goal of Msgr. Mark Merdian’s 25 years of ministry

By: Jennifer Willems - May 29, 2018 - Uncategorized

ROCK ISLAND — Msgr. Mark Merdian said it was “an interior call whereby I heard God calling me to explore service to Him as a priest” that brought him to priestly ministry. “When I was younger, I had dreams of being a priest,” he told The Catholic Post. “I had a quiet love for the […]

Fr. Stephen Willard rejoices in sacraments celebrated, love shared over 25 years

By: Jennifer Willems - May 29, 2018 - Uncategorized

WASHINGTON — When Father Stephen Willard was a second-grader at St. Thomas the Apostle School in Peoria Heights, Sister Mary Elizabeth O’Hara told him that one day he would be a priest. His response was succinct: “No way!” “As the years progressed, Sister would talk to me about the priesthood and remind me of my […]

Six priests recall the blessings, lessons of 25 years since their ordination day

By: The Catholic Post - May 29, 2018 - Featured Article

The celebrations have already begun for six priests of the Diocese of Peoria who are marking the 25th anniversary of their ordination in 2018. Father Thomas Gibson, Father Michael Menner, Msgr. Mark Merdian, Father Jeffery Small and Father Stephen Willard were ordained on May 29, 1993, by Bishop (now Archbishop) John J. Myers at St. […]

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