Hundreds of people gathered for Mass Wednesday[Errr Thursday] afternoon, many waiting to listen to a sermon from a person they say they've known for years. Raymond Burke is the former Bishop of the La Crosse Diocese and one of the newest Cardinals in the Catholic Church.WEAU 13 Eau Claire(video also)
Cardinal Raymond Burke gave his homily to hundreds at the Cathedral of Saint Joseph the Workman in La Crosse. For many, he is more than one of the newest Cardinals and a spiritual leader, he's also what they call a close friend.
“Its just been overwhelming, it's a thrill to be here today and to be able to see this all," says one parishioner.
“I have worked for the Diocese 36 years and it's just wonderful to experience Cardinal Burke here," says Sondra Rieder.
Last month Burke was one of 24 Cardinals blessed by the Pope in Rome. He's now one of 120 active Cardinals but has deep roots right here in western Wisconsin.
"I will not forget from where I came and the great blessings of Catholic faith of which I received and chosen portion in the vineyard of our lord which is the Dioceses of La Crosse,” Cardinal Burke said during the sermon.
People at the service say it's extra special to have the Cardinal in town not just because he's from the area but because they know him personally.
"He will be voting for the next Pope or could be the next Pope that's kind of hard for us to comprehend," says Leo Hansen.
"I worked for him in the office so it's exciting to see him elevated from that to Bishop and now to Cardinal, it's very exciting," says Rieder.
Burke told the faithful gathered that he's praying for them and hopes they’ll pray for him as well.
"Over the years and with the advance of years I have been increasing conscious of the blessings I have received being born and growing up in the Dioceses of La Crosse," says Burke.
Cardinal Burke most recently served as Archbishop in Saint Louis. He also holds a position as head of the Supreme Court of the Vatican.
WXOW 19 La Crosse also has a short video clip reporting over 1000 people attended the Mass.
I'll post some photos later. I also have the audio for his homily that I'll be posting on the Cathedral's website.
4 comments:
First line should read 'Thursday afternoon.'
:-)
Good catch, I didn't even notice!
It was a l-o-n-g Thursday, with a 2-hour-drive through the snow, a 1-hr-wait for mass, a 2-hr-mass, a few hours visiting at the reception and then the return trip...so it is fresh in my mind :-)
Our family and another made the trip with 16 kids in tow. It was a wonderful day.
Haha, I hear you. I'm glad you all made it home safe and sound.
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