>>Archbishop Hebda Announces Mass For The Death Of Pope Francis
(St. Paul, MN) — Archbishop Bernard Hebda of St. Paul and Minneapolis is releasing a statement following the death of Pope Francis this morning. He remarked that the Holy Father’s powerful Easter greeting, which expressed his closeness to those suffering from war and abandonment, will be remembered as a significant testament. Hebda also noted that a special noon Mass will be held at the Cathedral of St. Paul. The pope was 88 years old. A live stream can be found on the Cathedral of St. Paul’s website.
>>Bishop Neary Mourns Loss of Pope Francis
(St. Cloud, MN) — Catholics in Minnesota and around the world are mourning the loss of Pope Francis. The 88-year-old died this morning. Bishop Patrick Neary of the Diocese of St Cloud released this statement. “To me, Pope Francis was a light shining in the darkness, a friend of the poor and a prophet of God’s mercy and justice. He envisioned the Church as a field hospital that would meet human beings precisely where they are, just as Christ did. He called us to be better stewards of the earth. By introducing the synod on synodality, he reminded us of the need to lovingly encounter, listen, and discern together God’s will for the Church.”
>>Senator Klobuchar Pays Tribute to Pope Francis
(Minneapolis, MN) — U-S Senator Amy Klobuchar is among those who remember the late Pope Francis. The Minnesota Democrat says she was honored to be part of the escort committee that brought Pope Francis around the Capitol when he addressed Congress in 2017. Klobuchar and her husband saw Francis address the crowd in Vatican City in 2014. She says he finished as he always did – by blessing those with disabilities first. The statement from Klobuchar says, “Pope Francis leaves behind a legacy of humility, compassion, and faith that will continue to inspire us all.”
>>Eichorn Asks Federal Court for Permission to See His Children
(St. Paul, MN) — Former Republican Senator Justin Eichorn is due in federal court today, asking for modified restrictions on his contact with minors so he can have a relationship with his children. Eichorn resigned in March after being arrested for attempted solicitation of a minor for sex in Bloomington. Eichorn’s attorneys filed the motion on Friday, saying he will be “cut off” from his kids without modifying his release conditions. He is currently in a halfway home in Duluth.
>>Duluth to Celebrate Earth Day
(Duluth, MN) — Duluth is one of several communities across Minnesota celebrating Earth Day tomorrow. (Tues). Event Organizer Brett Cease says they’ll hold a march and rally starting at 4 p.m. at the outdoor amphitheater at Leif Erikkson Park. Cease says the family-friendly event will feature multiple speakers and information on how people can volunteer for environmental groups.
>> McDonald’s Donates to Midwest Ronald McDonald Houses
>> McDonald’s Donates to Midwest Ronald McDonald Houses(Undated) — McDonald’s restaurants donate nearly $160,000 from Shamrock Shake sales to Ronald McDonald House locations in the Upper Midwest. Owners and operators from the 259 participating restaurants will gift the proceeds to nine Ronald McDonald House Charities in Minnesota and North Dakota. From February 10th through March 23rd, 25 cents from each Shamrock Shake sold was donated to the fundraiser. The first Ronald McDonald House opened in Philadelphia in 1974. Five years later, in October 1979, Minnesota opened the doors to its first Ronald McDonald House.
