Ordination to priesthood:
Bishop ordains three new priests to serve diocese

	Back row: Auxiliary Bishop George O. Wirz, Bishop William H. Bullock and newly appointed Bishop Robert C. Morlino pose with, front row, from left, newly ordained priests Diego O. Cuevas, James M. Poster, and Brian J. Wilk. (Catholic Herald photo by Abigail Hansen)

By Julianne Nornberg
CATHOLIC HERALD STAFF

MADISON -- Singing swelled throughout St. Raphael Cathedral May 23 as ordinands Diego O. Cuevas, James M. Poster, and Brian J. Wilk led the procession of more than 70 priests who filled the sanctuary.

The beautiful and solemn celebration of ordination to the priesthood for the Diocese of Madison had begun.

Bishop William H. Bullock presided at the ordination. Concelebrants included Auxiliary Bishop George O. Wirz, newly appointed Bishop Robert C. Morlino, members of the presbyterate of the Diocese of Madison, and guests of those being ordained.

Bishop Bullock invited Bishop Morlino to greet the congregation.   Full story ...

By Mary C. Uhler
CATHOLIC HERALD STAFF

Bishop Bullock elected Diocesan Administrator MADISON -- With the acceptance of his letter of resignation by Pope John Paul II, Bishop William H. Bullock leaves office as Bishop of Madison. According to canon law, the diocese is designated as "vacant." Until newly appointed Bishop Robert C. Morlino officially takes possession of the diocese, the College of Consultors is charged to elect a Diocesan Administrator to govern the diocese. The Diocese of Madison College of Consultors was convened by Auxiliary Bishop George O. Wirz on Friday, May 23, and elected Bishop Bullock as Diocesan Administrator. In addition to Bishop Wirz, the College of Consultors includes Msgrs. Daniel T. Ganshert, James L. Gunn, Joseph P. Higgins, Paul J. Swain and Frs. David H. Runde, John H. Hedrick, and John G. Stillmank.

MADISON -- Although he admitted "there's a sadness in my heart on leaving Helena," Bishop Robert C. Morlino said he relies on God's providence in bringing him to the Diocese of Madison as its fourth bishop.

"Providence is a very key part of my own relationship with Jesus Christ," he said at a press conference May 23 at the Bishop O'Connor Catholic Pastoral Center in Madison.

More coverage ... For more on Bishop Morlino's appointment as the new Bishop of Madison, see the New Bishop Named page. Web link ... For more on Bishop Morlino, visit the Diocese of Helena Web site: www.diocesehelena.org.

"Each day I surf the waves of providence," said Bishop Morlino, adding with a smile, "It's the only surfing I'll ever do."

Leader, scholar, shepherd

Retiring Bishop William H. Bullock introduced his successor as a "leader, scholar, and shepherd" whom he described as "young, capable, and personable, a man who loves people."

Bishop Bullock pledged his prayers and support to Bishop Morlino as he continues to meet the challenges facing the church.

He announced that Bishop Morlino will be installed as Bishop of Madison on Aug. 1.

Reveals sense of humor

Bishop Morlino greeted the press warmly, revealing a sense of humor when he noted that he managed to "sneak into town" the day before, and, for him, "that isn't easy" (alluding to his larger than average size).   Full story ...