Well done, good and faithful servant

Funeral Mass celebrated for Monsignor Xavier Mankel, a founder of the Diocese of Knoxville By Bill Brewer Monsignor Francis Xavier Mankel was laid to rest in Calvary Cemetery in a manner that bespeaks those things closest to his heart: the Church, the priesthood, his parishes, and family. His final gesture …

Once Upon a Time: The end of an era at The East Tennessee Catholic? Maybe not yet

Monsignor Xavier Mankel takes a step back from his duties as a columnist and peer reviewer                                         By Bill Brewer A phrase often overused is “the end of an era.” Shoppers staying at home and buying their Christmas gifts online instead of crowding the malls and outlet stores might be a …

Monsignor Mankel receives MLK Commission award

By Bill Brewer The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Commission has presented its 2017 Chair’s Award to Monsignor Xavier Mankel for his work in support of justice and equality. In revealing its selection, the MLK Commission cited Monsignor Mankel’s work with the commission and the Knoxville community through the …

Once upon a time: Basking in the graces of the Risen Lord

God has blessed our diocese with men and women who are committed to spreading the faith By Monsignor Xavier Mankel As the Diocese of Knoxville celebrates its 28th anniversary, we ask ourselves where did all this come from. The term “created” is used in a broad sense. The Diocese of …

Once upon a time: Your pastor needs you

By Monsignor Xavier Mankel There was a time when things shut down for the summer, especially for school folks — but not anymore. Now, most of us run, run, run all the time, taking a few days for vacation when we can work it in. Plenty goes on year-round, so …

Once upon a time: Keeping theology consistent

Faithful continue to observe the commandments of the Church By Monsignor Xavier Mankel Time to go to confession? Our theology has been pretty consistent over the years. Following the Council of Trent, Catholics pretty much observed the commandments of the Church: annual sacramental confession, followed by holy Communion. Favorite times …

Once upon a time: Building His Church, living stone by living stone

By Monsignor Xavier Mankel With the canonizations of Pope John Paul II, Mother Teresa of Calcutta, Louis and Zelie Martin, and many other lesser-known saints, we should have at our disposal a sufficient number of saints from a catalogue of the saints to cultivate devotions for many years to come. …

Once upon a time: The Holy Week(s) of Easter

Celebration of Christ’s triumph over death has expanded through the years Holy Week always has been special. Before there was a Holy Week, Easter began with the Easter vigil. And before many years had passed Easter included seven days beginning on Palm Sunday. Gradually the week turned into two weeks, …

Once upon a time: Getting from ashes to Easter

By Monsignor Xavier Mankel Every parish has some. Packed away in a box or two, there is a supply of bunting and other material used to drape the doors of the parish church in gold and white when the pope dies. In civil matters, the bunting may be red, white …

Once upon a time: Preparing for a ‘good’ Lent

Churches old and new are inspiration for a closer relationship with God By Monsignor Xavier Mankel Immaculate Conception Church has covered Summit Hill in Knoxville since the 1880s. Typical of many churches of that era, architects saw little need for a large vestibule. People came to church to pray and …

Once upon a time: Seeking the passage to salvation

By Monsignor Xavier Mankel Doors. We so often take them for granted. Cellar doors protected crops stored for the winter, or Christmas presents, or family stills during Prohibition days. Basements store furnaces, air-conditioning units, and family treasures. The doors to our houses offer safe passage to those who enter invited …

Once upon a time: ‘Tis the season for the Prince of Peace

Christmas evokes memories of people who decorated our lives during the sacred holiday By Monsignor Xavier Mankel Christmas time again. While it’s one thing to wish peace on earth o people of good will, those sentiments won’t fit in all cases (as much as you and I wish such sentiments …