The incorrupt heart of St. John (Jean) Vianney, a major relic of the patron saint of parish priests, is coming to the Diocese of Knoxville on May 23 as part of its pilgrimage to the United States. The Knights of Columbus, who are entrusted with the relic on its national …
Marriage Enrichment: Call to Love conference spiritually uplifting
One participant says, ‘Our marriages are the fire, the warmth, and the light of God’s love in the world’ By Marian Christiana Our first Call to Love Marriage Conference was held March 23 at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. Sixty-four couples participated in this bilingual event. …
A gift of the fullness of the priesthood
Bishop Richard F. Stika marks a decade of his episcopate as he becomes the diocese’s longest-serving bishop By Bill Brewer In celebrating the 10th anniversary of his ordination and installation as the third bishop of Knoxville, Bishop Richard F. Stika recalled one of the first questions he was asked by …
Fourth Knights Cup Lacrosse Tournament set
By Dan McWilliams The fourth annual Knights Cup Lacrosse Tournament at Knoxville Catholic High School, set for Thursday through Saturday, April 25-27, will feature an NAIA conference final-four tournament as well as plenty of prep and youth action. “Lacrosse is the fastest-growing sport in East Tennessee and the entire country,” …
Bishop Stika welcomes catechumens, candidates home
More than 225 people will enter the Catholic Church in East Tennessee at Easter Vigil Masses By Bill Brewer History may have been made twice March 9-10 at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. For the first time, the Rite of Election of Catechumens and Call to …
Instruments tell the story with Violins of Hope
Restored violins that survived the Holocaust come to Knoxville Catholic High School and are part of a special performance By Emily Booker Music is a powerful messenger that can communicate across language and culture. Sometimes, the instruments themselves can tell a story. Bishop Richard F. Stika, Knoxville Catholic High School …
Praying for perspective: A longer-than-40-day wandering in the desert
A 17-year-old student found himself ‘on a path no one should be forced to walk’ By George Valadie In the interest of full disclosure, I’ve been a whole lot better at keeping my Lenten promise this year. So much better than last year, that’s for sure. Yes, I know, whatever …
Sr. Margaret Marie Hofstetter, former president of St. Catharine College, dies
Dominican Sister of Peace Margaret Marie Hofstetter, 97, died Jan. 27 at Sansbury Care Center in St. Catharine, Ky. Sister Margaret Marie, a native of Nashville, was in her 72nd year of religious life. She ministered in teaching and educational administration, pastoral ministry, and in leadership of her community. In …
State bishops back Human Life Protection Act
But legislators pass ‘heartbeat’ abortion ban despite misgivings expressed by bishops, Tennessee Right to Life By Dan McWilliams The state House of Representatives passed a “heartbeat” abortion ban March 7 despite the concerns expressed by the Tennessee state bishops and Tennessee Right to Life that it would not pass legal …
Funeral Mass celebrated for Wally Brownell, mother of Father Patrick Brownell
Walburga Ehrhardt “Wally”Brownell, 80, of Morristown, the mother of Father Patrick Brownell of St. Patrick Parish in Morristown, passed away at home surrounded by family on Friday, Jan. 25. The funeral Mass was held at St. Patrick Church on Jan. 28, with Father Brownell officiating. Interment was in Mount Olivet …
Wings of Gold
Funeral Mass, first all-female flyover held for pioneering Navy pilot Story by Bill Brewer Photography by Stephanie Richer Archive Photos courtesy of U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command and U.S. Naval Institute Rosemary Mariner was full of firsts. To the world, Capt. Mariner was an aviation pioneer who broke through …
Knoxville March for Life attracts 1,000 pro-life supporters
Some 1,000 pro-life supporters, including many East Tennessee Catholics, joined together Jan. 27 at the Knoxville Convention Center for the 46th annual March for Life, which was organized by the Knox County chapter of Tennessee Right to Life (TRL). Marchers, who filled the Convention Center’s 460-seat lecture hall and ground-floor …





