Bishop Ricken Encourages Parishioners to Display Pope Francis Portrait

Bookstores Offer Free Prayer Cards The following bookstores are offering free prayer cards of Pope Francis I. They also are selling portraits of the pope. Beatitudes 2633 Development Drive, Suite 40 Green Bay, WI 54311 St. Patrick's Book Store 972 W Northland Avenue Appleton, WI 54914 Cathedral Book & Gift 131 S. Madison Street Green Bay, WI 54301 F Kaster Company 2204 S. Ridge Road Green Bay, WI 54304 Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help 4047 Chapel Drive New Franken, WI 54229 Jandrain Religious Supply Co. 1482 Main St Green Bay, WI 54301 The Carpenter 123 East Main Street Little Chute, WI 54140 On This Rock 216 W. South Park Avenue Oshkosh, WI 54902

GREEN BAY, Wis. (April 17, 2013) -- Bishop David L. Ricken has released the following statement, inviting all parishioners to pray for the Holy Father and display a picture of him in their homes.

"Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Our Church has undergone significant changes recently. We have seen the resignation of one pope, something that had not happened in 600 years, and the announcement of a new pope in a relatively short time. We are blessed to have both of them. As Pope Emeritus Benedict holds us close in prayer, Pope Francis leads us with humble confidence as we strive to serve one another and live our lives of faith.

I have been very impressed and encouraged by parishioners throughout our diocese as they have lifted up our Church in prayer during the papal conclave and now as they lovingly embrace our new Holy Father. I am grateful to all of the faithful who have said "yes" to the Holy Spirit's work among us and to Pope Francis for uniting us. I give thanks to God for his grace during this time of change.

Going forward, I would like to encourage families and individuals to keep our Holy Father, Pope Francis, close to their hearts in daily prayer. I invite all parishioners to display an image of Pope Francis in their homes as a reminder of their commitment to praying for him and as an outward sign of affection for the one who is Vicar of Christ here on earth.

May God bless all of us during this journey of faith."

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Who We Are

The Catholic Diocese of Green Bay works to bring the Good News of Jesus Christ by helping people in need and by providing academic, leadership and spiritual formation opportunities to parish and school leaders. Established in 1868, the Diocese is composed of 324,000 Catholics in 16 counties: Brown, Calumet, Door, Florence, Forest, Kewaunee, Langlade, Manitowoc, Marinette, Menominee, Oconto, Outagamie, Shawano, Waupaca, Waushara and Winnebago.

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