By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY (CNS) — As people on pilgrimage often report, what happens along the way can be just as important as what happens at the destination. Every bishop in the world is required regularly to make a visit “ad limina apostolorum” (to the threshold of the apostles) to pray at the tombs of Sts. …
Bishops on ‘ad limina’ say their unity with pope, each other is clear
By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY (CNS) — As people on pilgrimage often report, what happens along the way can be just as important as what happens at the destination. Every bishop in the world is required regularly to make a visit “ad limina apostolorum” (to the threshold of the apostles) to pray at the tombs of Sts. …
From abuse to ‘nones,’ U.S. bishops share concerns with pope
By Cindy Wooden and Junno Arocho Esteves/Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The timing of the U.S. bishops’ “ad limina” visits to the Vatican was a matter of Pope Francis’ schedule and the regular rhythm of his meetings with the world’s bishops. But for Archbishop William E. Lori of Baltimore, it also was “providential.” Because of a papal scheduling …
Dr. Kennedy honored at Catholic Foundation of East Tennessee dinner
Dr. Dan Kennedy, a longtime educator and a 25-year member of the Catholic Foundation of East Tennessee, was recognized as the newest member of the Society of St. Peter during the foundation’s 2019 annual dinner on Sunday, Nov. 3, in Knoxville. Dr. Kennedy was presented with a blessed icon of St. Peter by Bishop Richard F. Stika who offered his …
Cardinal Rigali reflects on life of Cardinal William Levada
Cardinal William J. Lavada, former prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, and a friend of the Diocese of Knoxville died in Rome on Sept. 26. He was 83. Cardinal Levada served as archbishop of Portland, Ore. and archbishop of San Francisco prior to his appointment as the Prefect of the Congregation of the Doctrine of Faith …
Bishops issue statement on scheduled state execution
August 15, 2019 We, the bishops of the three dioceses in Tennessee in conjunction with the Catholic Public Policy Commission, clearly state our strong opposition to the state carrying out the death penalty today. Carrying out this execution does not serve the cause of justice and bucks the trend of states across the country moving away from the use of …
Bishop Stika responds to lawsuit
Bishop Richard F. Stika issued a letter to diocesan clergy and staff on Friday, July 19, making them aware of a lawsuit filed on July 18 by Mr. Michael Boyd in Knox County Circuit Court and naming the diocese as a defendant. The diocese is unable to offer additional comment until new information brought to light in the lawsuit can …
Vietnamese Catholic community established in Chattanooga
Further reflecting the continued growth and diversity of the Catholic Church in East Tennessee, Bishop Richard F. Stika has formally established a Public Association of the Faithful for the Vietnamese Catholic community in the Chattanooga area. The establishment of a Public Association of the Faithful is the first step in the canonical process that one day could lead to the …
Bishop Stika announces new pastoral assignments and a priest retirement
Bishop Richard F. Stika is pleased to announce the following new pastoral assignments and a priest retirement which were announced at respective parishes in late May and early June and, unless otherwise noted, will take effect in the Diocese of Knoxville on July 15: Father Dan Whitman is retiring from full-time ministry and will remain spiritual moderator for the Knoxville …
Bishop Stika statement on Archbishop Kurtz
Bishop Richard F. Stika has issued the following statement upon learning of the news of Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz, former bishop of Knoxville (1999-2007), who announced this morning that he will undergo cancer treatment at the Duke University Cancer Institute. “I am requesting that all of the faithful of the Diocese of Knoxville join me in prayer for Archbishop Kurtz …
Growth and stability highlight Bishop Stika’s tenure as longest-serving bishop of the Diocese of Knoxville
It turns out that July 2019 will be a memorable month for Bishop Richard F. Stika. Three days before he celebrates his 62nd birthday on July 4, Bishop Stika reached another significant milestone. On July 1, Bishop Stika became the longest-serving bishop in the history of the Diocese of Knoxville. “I am grateful that Pope Benedict XVI, through the Holy …
Cardinal Rigali to represent U.S. Catholic Church at International Eucharistic Congress
Cardinal Justin Rigali, who is now in residence in the Diocese of Knoxville, will represent the Catholic Church for the United States at the International Eucharistic Congress in Budapest, Hungary in 2020. The appointment was made by Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. As preparation for the Congress, Bishop Richard F. Stika invited parishioners …