A jubilee woven without a pattern: Sr. Anitawa Fearday, ASC, marks 60 years

Sr. Anitawa Fearday, ASC, works on one of the 120 woven pieces she has created through the years (Submitted). By Carlos Restrepo For The Messenger Every night before Sr. Anitawa Fearday turns out the light, she looks at a homemade vision board fastened to the wall of her room at […]

Posted on June 3, 2026

Belleville astronaut touches down at Benedictine

Belleville astronaut Sandy Magnus with residents at the Benedictine Living Community before her April 17 visit (Submitted). By David Wilhelm Messenger Editor Sr. Barb Biver remembers the time several years ago when an Elvis Presley impersonator came to entertain residents at the Benedictine Living Community at the Shrine of Our […]

Posted on June 3, 2026

From a milk house to a Blessed Mother Mary grotto

Dominic Grzegorek, of Ashley, regularly prays at the grotto (right) for the Blessed Mother Mary that was built on his property by Nashville mason Dave Schuette. “It’s a way of honoring her and showing respect for her, and it turned out really good,” Grzegorek said (Submitted). By Linda Norris Messenger […]

Posted on June 3, 2026

Former diocesan priest, Messenger editor ‘Rafe’ Middeke dies at 92

Raphael H. “Rafe” Middeke, 92, of Trenton, formerly of Damiansville, died at 6:25 a.m. Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at Aviston Countryside Manor. He was born June 21, 1933, in rural Clinton County, a son of the late Bernard and Mary (nee Hellmann) Middeke. After attending St. Rose Elementary School, Rafe […]

Posted on June 3, 2026

Ordination and Installation: After a year as a diocesan administrator, Fr. Godfrey Mullen, OSB, assumes role of bishop

Bishop Godfrey Mullen, OSB, wearing his mitre and carrying his crozier for the first time, blesses parishioners who attended his ordination and installation as the 10th bishop of the Diocese of Belleville on May 1 at the Cathedral (Tim Vizer photo). The sun shined brightly on the face of Bishop […]

‘The right man for the time’ Archbishop Rozanski, other clergy laud Fr. Godfrey’s selection as bishop

Archbishop Mitchell Rozanski believes the Diocese of Belleville is well-positioned for the future with the selection of Fr. Godfrey Mullen, OSB, as its 10th bishop. “I’m happy for the priests and the people of Belleville that the Holy Father has chosen Bishop-elect Godfrey Mullen as their bishop,” said Archbishop Rozanski, […]