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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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. […]
BELLEVILLE — Father Michael G. McGovern, a former pastor in the Archdiocese of Chicago, became the ninth bishop of the Diocese of Belleville on July 22. Bishop McGovern, 56, said he chose the motto “Vos autem dixi amicos,” or “I have called you friends,” as an expression of the relationship […]
Parishioners and pastors from the Diocese of Belleville say they are excited to welcome The Most Reverend Michael McGovern as the new Bishop of the Diocese of Belleville this summer. While the coronavirus pandemic meant a customary celebration could not take place for the installation and ordination of the new bishop on July 22, Bishop McGovern is planning a series of parish visits to meet the Catholics of southern Illinois – while following public health precautions and protocols, of course.
For the past five weeks, I have been packing my belongings in order to bring them with me to my new home in Belleville. In addition to my clothes, family photo albums, and personal papers, I have been sorting and packing many, many books that I own. I have hundreds of books; some were given to me, and others I purchased over the years. I enjoy books and many of the ones in my library have influenced my thoughts, my faith and my prayer life.
