Retired Maronite Bishop Robert J. Shaheen dies at age 80

By Jennifer Brinker / St. Louis Review ST. LOUIS — Bishop Robert J. Shaheen, the first Maronite priest to be ordained in the United States and a priest and bishop in St. Louis for a half-century, died Aug. 9. Bishop Shaheen, who celebrated his 80th birthday in June, was the …

Funeral Mass celebrated for Deacon Norman George Amero

A funeral Mass was celebrated Aug. 8 at St. Mary Church in Oak Ridge for Deacon Norman George Amero, who died Aug. 1 at his home after a three-year battle with cancer. He was 77. Bishop Richard F. Stika was the principal celebrant of the Mass. Concelebrating were priests of …

Bishop celebrates adult confirmation Mass

Ninety-one years young John Stramiello is among 65 from across the diocese confirmed at the annual liturgy By Bill Brewer John Stramiello had compelling reasons for missing his confirmation: the Great Depression and World War II. At a time when most Catholic youth were studying their catechesis in preparation for …

Cardinal Dziwisz to attend Cathedral dedication

Longtime Vatican official and secretary to St. John Paul II to be among dignitaries at special Mass By Jim Wogan A participant and witness to some of the most dramatic moments in the history of the Catholic Church in the 20th century is coming to the Diocese of Knoxville, both …

A chosen vessel unto me

Father Christopher Floersh ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Stika By Bill Brewer It started with a chalice decades ago. And it did so again June 3 at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, where Bishop Richard F. Stika presided at the ordination Mass for Father Christopher …

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 …

On the other side

Bishop Stika ‘sends forth’ diocese’s newest members during Sending of the Neophytes Mass By Bill Brewer Bishop Richard F. Stika celebrated Pentecost on June 4 by recognizing the 227 catechumens and candidates baptized and confirmed at the Easter Vigil. Bishop Stika celebrated Mass at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred …

Funeral Mass held for Bishop Choby

By Andy Telli Bishop David R. Choby was a true shepherd to the people of the Diocese of Nashville, recalled his fellow bishop, friend, and former student, Archbishop Alexander K. Sample of Portland, Ore. He was “the kind of shepherd I would like to be,” said the archbishop, who was …

Bishop celebrates final Chrism Mass at current cathedral

Calling it ‘a very special time in our diocese,’ he welcomes more than 60 priests to the annual Holy Week liturgy By Dan McWilliams Bishop Richard F. Stika made an important announcement in his opening remarks at the 2017 Chrism Mass on April 11 at Sacred Heart Cathedral. “This is …

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Fr. Gahagan receives papal designation as monsignor

Longtime diocesan priest receives ovation from fellow priests at St. Thomas the Apostle By Jim Wogan Pope Francis has designated Father William Gahagan, who has served in the Diocese of Knoxville since its inception in 1988, with the title of monsignor. The papal honor comes at the recommendation of Bishop Richard …

Cardinal Rigali named an episcopal delegate

In a degree dated April 10, Bishop Richard F. Stika has appointed Cardinal Justin Rigali an episcopal delegate. The ministry of the episcopal delegate is one of service to the bishop and is someone who serves as a representative of the bishop, acts as his liaison, and offers pastoral concern …