Madison Diocesan Choir director reflects on Bp. Morlino's passing

Reflecting on Bishop Morlino’s passing, [Dr. Partrick] Gorman agreed the patriarch had his critics, and he acknowledged his own disagreements and lively discussions with the bishop. “Some really nice debates,” said Gorman, adding with a laugh, “I never won one.”

But those debates always ended amicably, and Gorman came to know Bishop Morlino as a kind and generous man of strong faith, one who unbeknown to many, visited nursing homes every Christmas. He said Bishop Morlino paid him a surprise hospital visit following surgery a year ago.

“Both Denise and I thought that certainly was above and beyond the call of duty,” Gorman said. “I was always touched by that.”

And so for Gorman and others, this is a time of sadness. “It’s certainly sad, certainly unexpected,” Gorman said. “As with any death, especially a sudden one, there’s sadness in that you have no chance to say goodbye.”

And yet, there is reason to rejoice.

“He’s about the most joyful person I ever met, and I said this to him a number of times, that to me was just a sign of faith,” Gorman said. “He could have all kinds of things going on, and he would have a smile, he would talk, and not just be kind of artificially upbeat, but truly joyful.
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The Madison Diocesan Choir will celebrate Advent with a Lessons & Carols concert on Sunday, Dec. 16.  The free Lessons & Carols service begins in the Bishop O’Donnell Chapel at 4 p.m, at Holy Name Heights, the former Bishop O’Connor Catholic Pastoral Center, located at 702 S. High Point Rd. in Madison. 

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