Former Belleville Bishop installed as Omaha Archbishop

Former Diocese of Belleville Bishop Michael McGovern during his installation as the new Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Omaha, Neb., on May 7 (Susan Szalewski photo). By Susan Szalewski Catholic Voice OMAHA, Neb. — On a warm May afternoon, inside a packed cathedral filled with joyful hymns of praise, Archbishop […]

Posted on March 31, 2025

Fr. Stan Konieczny, of Smithton, dies at 70

Fr. Stanley J. Konieczny, OFS, 70, of Smithton, born April 14, 1955, in East St. Louis, died Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at his residence. After graduating from Assumption High School in East St. Louis, he received a bachelor’s degree from St. Mary University in San Antonio and a master’s from […]

Posted on March 31, 2025

Spring Farm Blessing: Bishop McGovern visits Ruppert family in Coulterville for annual event

Bishop Michael McGovern talks with parishioners before the Spring Farm Blessing at the Ruppert home (David Wilhelm photo). Bishop Michael McGovern presided over his final Spring Farm Blessing in the Diocese of Belleville on a sunny and pleasant April 23 at the Lonnie and Melinda Ruppert home on Tulip Road […]

Posted on March 31, 2025

Pope Francis Dies at 88 – His Easter Monday death is mourned by millions, ends 12-year papacy

Pope Francis, aboard the popemobile, greets people in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican after giving his Easter blessing on April 20, 2025. The pope, whose papacy began in March 2013, died hours later at age 88 (CNS photo/Pablo Esparza). By Carol Glatz Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY — U.S. […]

Posted on March 31, 2025

Respect Life Apostolate invites everyone to get involved in prayerful pro-life activities

BY LINDA BEHRENS | Contributing writer “The Supreme Court’s reversal of Roe v. Wade is, without question, an answer to prayer,” begins the September 2022 statement by Archbishop William E. Lori Chairman, USCCB Committee on Pro-Life Activities. In the decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, the U.S. Supreme […]

Inclusivity and love

The other night, I had the privilege of participating in one of the listening sessions for the continental phase of the Synodal process. The basis for our discussion was a lengthy document produced by the Vatican after it had compiled data and testimony from all over the Catholic world. As […]