Creating dialogue: Milwaukee Art Museum features papal portrait made of condoms
MILWAUKEE -- The Milwaukee Art Museum opened a new exhibit on Thursday, July 30th titled, "Art and the Global AIDS Crisis: Eggs Benedict." It features a portrait of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI made from a collection of 17,000 latex condoms."When this story first broke that the museum had acquired the work, we had thousands of people coming to the museum wanting to see this work," said Daniel Keegan, Director of the Milwaukee Art Museum.Milwaukee-based Artist Niki Johnson created the portrait with the intent to spark a conversation about AIDS in Africa.
Archdiocese asks Supreme Court to review appeals court decision on $55M cemetery trust fund
MILWAUKEE -- In March, an appeals court ruled a $55 million cemetery trust fund is fair game in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee’s bankruptcy case, and now, the Archdiocese of Milwaukee's "Cemetery Perpetual Care Trust" has filed a petition with the U.S. Supreme Court -- asking that they review the appeals court decision relating to the Religious Freedom Restoration Act.The 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago in May that the fund created by New York Cardinal Timothy Dolan when he was archbishop of Milwaukee is not covered by the federal law that protects religious organizations from government interference.Attorneys for clergy sexual abuse victims say Dolan created the fund to hide money from their clients.
"Holy Week" begins with Palm Sunday service; Archbishop Listecki explains its significance
MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Christians gathered in Vatican City Sunday, March 29th to join in the Palm Sunday Mass led by Pope Francis.
President Barack Obama to host Pope Francis at the White House in September
WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House says President Barack Obama will host Pope Francis in Washington when he visits the United States this fall.White House spokesman Josh Earnest said Obama and first lady Michelle Obama would welcome the pontiff as a guest at the White House on Sept. 23.
Targeting the trust fund: Court puts nearly $60 million back in play in Archdiocese bankruptcy case
MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- A federal appeals court has issued a ruling that puts nearly $60 million back in play.
Appeals court: $55M cemetery trust fair game in Milwaukee Archdiocese bankruptcy case
MADISON (AP) — An appeals court has ruled that a $55 million cemetery trust fund is fair game in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee's bankruptcy case.The 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago said Monday that the fund created by New York Cardinal Timothy Dolan when he was archbishop of Milwaukee is not covered by a federal law that protects religious organizations from government interference.Attorneys for clergy sexual abuse victims say Dolan created the fund to hide money from their clients.
Federal bankruptcy judge dismisses nine of 10 claims in Archdiocese of Milwaukee bankruptcy case
MILWAUKEE (AP) — A judge in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee bankruptcy has eliminated the largest number of sexual abuse claims to date in the four-year-old case.Federal bankruptcy Judge Susan Kelley has dismissed nine of 10 claims challenged by the archdiocese.
After dove debacle, Vatican makes balloons new peace symbol
VATICAN CITY (AP) — Dove lovers, rejoice.Balloons, not doves, were released as a gesture of peace Sunday in St.
Pope Francis: Millions gather in Manila for Mass
(CNN) -- Pope Francis urged millions gathered in Manila on Sunday to take care of one another -- and help promote peace in the world.Worshippers in ponchos of all colors held up flickering candles in the rain, hanging on his every word.The Pope wore a yellow poncho over his robe as he celebrated the Mass, which was attended by 6 million people, according to the Philippine News Agency."May he enable all the beloved people of this country to work together, protecting one another, beginning with your families and communities," the Pope said.His homily followed a thunderous welcome to the capital.As he entered the park, the huge crowd chanted, "Papa Francesco, Papa Francesco!"He waved, kissed babies and reached over to touch the hands reaching out to him.'We are all God's children'The Pope's message included one he's talked about many times: empathy."In these days, throughout my visit, I have listened to you sing the song 'We are all God's children,'" he said. "All of us are God's children, members of God's family."Young people, he said, especially need extra care."Jesus himself needed to be protected," he said."We too need to protect, guide and encourage our young people, helping them to build a society worthy of their great spiritual and cultural heritage," he said.As Francis left the venue in the capital, some jumped over barricades and ran after his vehicle."We love you, Papa Francesco!" others yelled.Intense rainHeavy rains pounded the city ahead of the Mass.
Pope Francis prays for peace in hearts, families, world in New Year
VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Francis has prayed for blessings for "the entire human family" in his first public ceremony of the new year.Celebrating Mass Thursday morning in St.
Priest talks about his open letter, calling on the Vatican to investigate Milwaukee Archdiocese
MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- A retired Milwaukee priest is among those leading the effort to encourage the Vatican to investigate the Archdiocese of Milwaukee.
Priest at St. Norbert Abbey penned lyrics for official song for Pope Francis' first trip to the U.S.
DE PERE (WITI) -- A huge honor for a priest at St.
Priests, survivor advocates calling on the Vatican to investigate Milwaukee Archdiocese bankruptcy
MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- An open letter sent by a group of local priest and survivor advocates is calling on the Vatican to investigate the Milwaukee Archdiocese bankruptcy.As reported Tuesday, December 2nd in the National Catholic Reporter (NCR), the letter presents six points under church law and practice that would justify such an investigation:
Federal appeals court: Clergy abuse victim can't make bankruptcy claim
MILWAUKEE (AP) — A federal appeals court says a clergy sexual abuse victim who previously settled with the Archdiocese of Milwaukee cannot set aside that deal to pursue a claim in bankruptcy court.The victim identified in court documents as John Doe settled with the archdiocese for $80,000 in 2007 after participating in mediation.The archdiocese filed for bankruptcy in 2011, saying it wouldn't be able to pay if lawsuits filed by other victims went against it.
Lucky teen meets Pope Francis
FOND DU LAC (WITI) -- A Fond du Lac teenager receives the trip of a lifetime, a pilgrimage to meet Pope Francis.14-year-old Kayla Doll was randomly selected from a group of devout and dedicated teenagers to present the pope with a symbolic crown at an event on Saturday, October 25th, at the Vatican.FOX6 News was told that Kayla met the pope while he was walking to the stage, and got to sit in the third row for his speech.
"I was speechless:" Wisconsin teen prepares to meet Pope Francis at Vatican
FOND DU LAC CO. (WITI) -- From the middle of nowhere to the center of the Catholic world.
"31 years! Why now?" Archdiocese says this year will be the last for Hubertus "House of Horror" - but why?
HUBERTUS (WITI) -- The Archdiocese of Milwaukee says a haunted house in Hubertus run by the St.
Judge lays out path in Milwaukee Archdiocese bankruptcy
MILWAUKEE (AP) — A federal bankruptcy judge is laying out how the Archdiocese of Milwaukee's long-running bankruptcy case will proceed after mediation failed.Bankruptcy Judge Susan Kelley met Friday with attorneys for the archdiocese, victims of clergy sexual abuse and others involved in the case.She outlined a plan to address sticking points including insurance-related issues, the value of archdiocese bank accounts and which abuse victims have valid claims.
Archdiocese spokesman: Mediation ends without deal
MILWAUKEE (AP) — A spokesman for the Archdiocese of Milwaukee says mediation in its bankruptcy case has ended without a deal with sexual abuse victims and others owed money.A second round of talks started Monday in Minnesota.
"It's pretty much a blessing:" Habitat for Humanity home built to honor Pope Francis
MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Dozens of volunteers spent Monday morning building five new homes in the rain for Habitat for Humanity.But one of those hard workers is actually a recipient of one of the homes."It's pretty much a blessing and I'm here and I'm happy," said Erskine Jude.Jude was thrilled to learn he will soon own the very home he is working on.He plans to move in with his mother and his 2 nephews who he has cared for since the passing of his brother."My mom's been calling me saying you all still out building the houses even though it's raining out?' Yes, mom we're out here.