Bishop Richard F. Stika has announced that Monsignor Francis Xavier Mankel, a priest whose leadership was instrumental in helping establish the Diocese of Knoxville nearly thirty years ago, died early Wednesday morning at the age of 81. Monsignor Mankel had been battling health issues in recent months and passed away at his home in Knoxville. Monsignor Mankel’s service to …
Video tribute of Nashville Bishop David Choby
Video produced by the Diocese of Nashville
Funeral arrangements set for Bishop Choby of Nashville
The Diocese of Nashville has announced the following funeral arrangements for Bishop David Choby, who died Saturday in Nashville at the age of 70. Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 8 at the Cathedral of the Incarnation, 2015 West End Ave, Nashville, TN 37203, from 2:00-5:00 p.m. and 6:30-7:30 p.m. Visitation will conclude with Office of the Dead at 7:30 p.m. Visitation will be held …
Bishop Stika reacts to death of Nashville Bishop David Choby
The Most Reverend David R. Choby, Bishop of the Diocese of Nashville since 2006, has died after battling recent health issues. He was 70. The Diocese of Nashville announced that Bishop Choby passed away at St. Thomas West Hospital in Nashville late Saturday night. He was undergoing treatment for injuries that he suffered in a fall at his home on …
Our Lady of Fatima: 100 years of grace
This year marks the 100th anniversary of the appearance of Mary to three young visionaries in the town of Fatima in Portugal. This report is excerpted from Fatima, 100 years of grace by the World Apostolate of Fatima, U.S.A. – Our Lady’s Blue Army. If you would like to read an in-depth account of the miracle, its history and the …
Faithful departed honored at annual Memorial Day Mass
Diocese of Knoxville parishioners gathered May 29 at Calvary Cemetery in Knoxville for the annual Memorial Day Mass. About 50 faithful attended the Mass, which was celebrated by Father Ron Franco, CSP, pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish in Knoxville. Deacon Joe Stackhouse served as deacon of the Eucharist. Parishioners from Immaculate Conception and St. John XXIII University Parish led the …
Pope Francis honors Father Bill Gahagan with title of monsignor
Pope Francis has designated Father William Gahagan, who has served in the Diocese of Knoxville since its inception in 1988, with the title of monsignor. The papal honor comes at the recommendation of Bishop Richard F. Stika who made the announcement at a meeting of diocesan priests on May 23. “A lot of the younger priests don’t know this, but …
Christopher Floersh to be ordained on June 3
On June 3, 2017, Bishop Richard F. Stika will ordain Christoper Floersh to the Holy Priesthood during a Mass at Sacred Heart Cathedral. Last month, Deacon Floersh was gracious to answer a few questions about his upcoming ordination in an email exchange with Diocese of Knoxville Communications Director Jim Wogan. JW: Bishop Stika has ordained a good number of …
Father Randy Stice appointed to position with USCCB
Father Randy Stice, director of the Office of Worship and Liturgy for the Diocese of Knoxville since 2009, has been appointed associate director of the Secretariat of Divine Worship for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, effective July 1, 2017. The Secretariat of Divine Worship carries out work for the USCCB in areas relating to the preparation and approval of …
St. Mary’s Clinic goes to Gatlinburg
Several weeks after deadly wildfires swept through East Tennessee in late 2016, it became obvious to Sister Mariana Koonce, RSM, MD, that it was time to bring the Diocese of Knoxville’s mobile medical mission to residents living in Gatlinburg and surrounding communities. Photo Gallery: (photos by Emily Booker) On April 27, after several months of investigation and planning, Sister Mariana, …
Bishop Stika welcomes new Catholics into the Church
The growth of the Catholic Church in East Tennessee may be most evident at Easter, when the Diocese of Knoxville welcomes its newest members – those who have participated in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA), a process of conversion and study in the Catholic faith for catechumens and candidates coming into full communion with the Church. In recent …
Bishop Stika celebrates final Chrism Mass at Sacred Heart Cathedral
Bishop Stika’s Opening Blessing and Remarks Time Lapse Opening Procession and Dismissal Bishop Stika Homily Gospel Reading by Rev. Mr. Christopher Floersh Blessing of the Holy Oils
Travel with Cardinal Justin Rigali and Father Michael Hendershott on a pilgrimage to Fatima and Lourdes. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the appearance of our Blessed Mother to three young children in central Portugal. From March 1917 to October 1917 the Virgin Mary appeared 6 times and told the children she had been sent by God with a …