Catching up with Most. Rev. Edward K. Braxton

Former Diocese of Belleville Bishop and current Bishop Emeritus Edward K. Braxton at his home in west Belleville (David Wilhelm photo). THE MESSENGER: You have been a priest for 54 years and a bishop for 29 years. What have been some of the most fulfilling aspects of your journey? BISHOP […]

Posted on October 28, 2024

200 years and counting – St. Augustine of Canterbury in Hecker celebrates milestone anniversary

Diocese of Belleville Bishop Michael McGovern greets parishioners as they exit the church following the 200th Anniversary Mass and celebration at St. Augustine of Canterbury Catholic Church on Oct. 19 in Hecker (Tim Vizer photo). We’re part of a story That’s over a century old, A tale of Catholic settlers […]

Posted on October 28, 2024

Getting to know Fr. Pat McDevitt – Chicago native begins new role as chancellor of Diocese of Belleville

Fr. Pat McDevitt couldn’t say no to Bishop Michael McGovern or the Diocese of Belleville. A Vincentian priest for 38 years, Fr. Pat recently concluded a four-year term as provincial superior of the Congregation of the Mission Western Province. The Chicago native, who already was living in St. Louis, didn’t […]

Posted on October 28, 2024

Blessing of the Harvest – Sun breaks through clouds as Bishop McGovern begins ceremony

Bishop Michael McGovern talks with attendees at the Blessing of the Harvest on Sept. 24 at Four Beck Dairy (David Wilhelm photo). Clouds yielded to sunshine just in time for the start of the annual Blessing of the Harvest, held Sept. 24 at Four Beck Dairy in Bartelso. Rain from […]

Posted on October 28, 2024

Our New St. Junipero Serra/el nuevo santo Junípero Serra

Pope Francis recently canonized in Washington D.C., Blessed Junipero Serra, who is referred to as founder and missionary to the “Upper Californias” as they were called in his time. El papa Francisco canonizo recientemente en Washington DC, al beato Fray Junípero Serra, conocido como fundador y misionero de las así llamadas “ altas Californias.”