As it turns out from an internet search he was an Italian lawyer turned priest, bishop, and moral theologian of the 18th century, founder of the Redemptorists (a society that worked in poor and rural areas), fighter of Jansenism (a stern approach to grace and the Sacraments which kept people from receiving the Eucharist out of fear), and a sufferer of scruples before his death in 1787, being officially declared a canonized saint (model of virtue) in 1839 by the thenreigning Pope. So what’s the rest about? An icon once thought lost and then found, being saved at the last minute from French Emperor Napoleon’s outrages. We read on in translation: “Not without the wonders of Divine Providence was the Image of the Blessed Virgin Mary, clearly miraculous (miraculis clara), under the title of Perpetual Help formerly (kept) for three centuries in the shrine (templo) of St. Matthew at Rome, by holy devotion and then after a long time brought out of oblivion…by the command of the Supreme Pontiff Pius IX (pope from 1846-1878) reclaimed for public veneration…” The rest of the document relates how the same image was installed in the Redemptorist church of St. Alphonsus de Ligouri at Rome and then spread through the world by means of a religious society or “Archsodality,” including to Stanley, Wisconsin in reproduction, as it so happens. The conditions for an indulgence related to membership in the society and the meeting of certain (non-monetary) conditions such as prayer, penance, communion and visiting churches are detailed in the document’s lower portion. But of the image as it exists presently? All indications point to a mounted icon on the east wall of Holy Family Hall, just down the street on Third Avenue. Records are sparse, but in 1938 shortly after the date of the document signing, two trips appear in the local newspaper that could have brought the icon back to Stanley.
sources, not as a shot in the dark, but after trying to read the document from some bits and pieces of what it says. As it turns out, the framed Latin document also points to or suggests another local parish treasure and reproduction of the image in question, but first the indulgence conditions.
In the first place and more generally, there is no lawful buying or selling whatsoever of indulgences today in the Catholic Church—the practice was outlawed in 1562 at the Council of Trent, after attempts at reform of the practice by unscrupulous preachers were deemed to be “hopeless.” Thus, the very attempt to buy or else sell an indulgence in the Catholic Church today, renders it void. But that being said, the principle behind indulgences remains, which in simple English is the idea that the church’s pastors can either impose or else remit certain things in matters of faith, generally sins (for remission), and penance (for imposition). So what’s the document say anyway? After all, it’s not every day you find such an exquisite detailed and decoratively enhanced Latin text. Clearly it was deemed important by and for past generations. We’ll start off with the translated title rendered in English.
“Letter of Gathering to the Archsodality (religious society), under the title and invocation of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Perpetual Help and St. Alphonsus Maria de Ligouri, in the Church of Saint Alphonsus, canonically erected (i.e. by church law) at Rome.” The Virgin Mary should be familiar to Christians in general, but who was St. Alphonsus Maria de Ligouri?
If you’ve ever been inside the front lobby (narthex) area of Holy Family Church in Stanley, chances are you might have noticed a framed document with some rather exquisitely detailed artistry and a non-English text for its main body—Latin, that is. But while the words “ecclesia sanctae Annae sacra” penned on it might tell the historically aware that it has something to do with the old St. Anne’s church once on the south side and then merged with St. Mary’s in the late 1970s to form the present Holy Family congregation, the rest of it might as well be Greek. What for instance, is one to make of “Non sine mirabili Dei Providentia,” to start the first paragraph out, or else “Cum itaque Nobis renuntiam fuerit,” between the first and second paragraphs, or even “Datum Romae, ad Sancti Alfonsi die 11 mensis August 1938” to close out the upper portion? The last one is evidently daterelated, but “Datum” or “itaque”? How is one supposed to read this stuff, or what’s it talking about?
As it turns out, the document in question is talking about a full as well as a partial indulgence related to membership in a religious society dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Alphonsus Maria de Ligouri, and of an image kept at Rome that was thought lost, but then found, after Napoleon (who was at least officially Catholic, being Corsican), felt it necessary to humble the Pope and Rome by destroying some churches when he stormed through.
We got that last bit from Wikipedia and other online
Compiled by Joseph Back
120 Years Ago December 1, 1900
BOX AD: Be Practical. The young man in love often goes into raptures about “the blue of the sea in her eyes and the golden haze of autumn in her hair,” but remember this, young man—SHE’LL EAT just the same as any other healthy girl.
Therefore get down to practical affairs. Save your money, deposit it in a good reliable bank like ours and get ready to own a home for you and the girl and to provide three square meals a day that you will both need as long as you live. You know, when poverty comes in at the door, love sometimes flies out the window.
Farmers & Merchants State Bank, Stanley Wis.
Another Ad: Oh lady, grasp your jealous husband firmly by the arm and lead him to Mack Sennett’s “Married Life.” It will do you both good.—Adv.
100 Years Ago November 19, 1920 80 Years Ago November 29, 1940
Miss Elizabeth Hedrington, age 72, a lifelong resident here, died on last Friday.
90 Years Ago November 28, 1930
TYDOL FIVE TAKES CADOTT INTO CAMP On Thursday evening of last week the Tydol Five took the Cadott city team for the county with a score of 39-2. It was easy meat for the Stanley boys and they did not have to exert themselves during any part of the game.
The Tydol boys got off to a good start when John Steivang dropped in three counters in the first few minutes. The team worked with smooth precision and clicked off their plays like clockwork. The whole team did their share which brought them a total of 18-field goals.
morning at St. Mary’s Church. Father Ralph Geissler will officiate.
70 Years Ago November 23, 1950
Mr. and Mrs. Ray Stroinski, Owen, on November 13.
A NEW CHARACTER (Illustration) is introduced to readers of the Republican on page four this week. He’s Stanley,” who will be featured in a series of editorial cartoons dealing with pertinent local subjects. Most newspapers carry a syndicated editorial cartoon of one sort or another— but few weekly newspapers attempt to carry locally-drawn and edited cartoons: to the best of our knowledge The Stanley Republican is the first weekly in Wisconsin to offer its own editorial cartoon, geared to local issues. Wayne Urell is the artist who is creating “Stanley” as a representation of what people of this area are doing and thinking.
12. 18-year-old Robert Kluck off to National 4-H Congress in Chicago Area Births Daughters to the following: Mr. and Mrs. Warren German, Owen, on November 18.
Mr. and Mrs. Albert Royce, Sheldon, on November 11.
Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Pogodzinski, Thorp, on November
60 Years Ago November 17, 1960
the better man…
50 Years Ago November 19, 1970
to such team sports as football and basketball. Lacking consistent program direction and a broad pool of gymnastic talent hasn’t raised enthusiasm for the sport here, but the promise of knowledgeable and concerned supervision and greater student interest may yet bring gymnastics into its own.
Coach Diane Wulterkens has entered the scene where four head coaches have practices in as many years. She says the program lacked consistency, a quality vital to the maintenance of a team willing and able to choose goals and work towards them. In a sport as individually demanding as gymnastics, that’s vital…(coach will remain until end of season despite visible pregnancy, dedicated to sport)
40 Years Ago November 27, 1980
Claire.
Marriages (with photo) Colleen Gindt to Robert Butterfield II on November 10 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Cadott.
Karen Holewinski to Mark Otterson on October 20 at Holy Family Church in Stanley.
Christine Mickett to Daniel Rexford Williams Jr., both of New Bern, NC, were united in marriage at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Edson on October 20, 1990. The Reverend Edmund Klimek of Eau Claire performed the 12 o’clock noon double ring ceremony… Leaving the church, the bride and groom rode off in a horse drawn carriage, driven by Jim Schuebel of Boyd…The couple is residing in Eau
30 Years Ago November 29, 1990
With a considerable amount of money and many hours of donated labor, the Boyd Area Chamber of Commerce recently added lighting to the “Boyd” highway signs along Route 29. Many businesses and community groups provided cash, labor, and discounts on material and equipment to help complete the project.
15 Years Ago November 17, 2005
to The Republican.
IT FINALLY CAME The smallpox strikes Stanley on Christmas. A little later but no less certain than was expected.
Two Cases diagnosed and removed to Pest House Outside of City. Prompt measures taken by authorities to enforce the law… (More details and antismallpox measures follow).
Early in the year, we shall begin the publication of a new serial story entitled “The Jeweled Talisman” by Mrs. Caroline Orne. It is of thrilling interest from start to finish. The story alone is worth a price of one year’s subscription
120 Years Ago December 29, 1900 110 Years Ago December 24, 1910
Social and Personal Nels Sneen is home for the holidays.
Oliver Sneen spent Sunday at Eau Claire.
S. G. (Sumner Gilbert) Moon was in the city Wednesday.
J. J. Nicholson spent Sunday at the Falls.
Hon. L. I. Roe was in Eau Claire Monday.
Mrs. S. F. Webert was in Boyd Monday.
F. H. L. Cotten of Eau Claire was in the city Thursday.
Ingwald Olson spent a few days at Eau Claire this week.
Born to Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Stair on Sunday, Dec. 18, a son.
Born to Mr. and Mrs. Louise Kolstad on Monday the 19th, a son.
Born to Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Grogan at Milwaukee on the 20th, a son.
C. R. Bridgman of Darlington (Lafayette County, Wisconsin) is at the home of his son W. H. Bridgman.
Miss Minnie Krogan, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ole Krogan of the town of Edson, was united in marriage to William Beachwood of the town of Worden, Saturday, Dec. 11, at 2:00 p.m. at the Presbyterian Manse (pastor’s house) in Stanley, Rev. Geo. E. Griffith, officiating.
100 Years Ago December 17, 1920
A Wedding! KROGANBEACHWOOD TOM SAWYER DELIGHTS KIDS AT THE STAR The Heywood Amusement Company entertained approximately a thousand school kids from the rural schools at The Star Theater on Tuesday and Wednesday with a complimentary presentation of the new Tom Sawyer milestone.
90 Years Ago December 26, 1930
LOCAL HAPPENINGS Miss Dorothy Jankoski, R. N., of Oshkosh, arrived here on Saturday for ten day’s visit at the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Nick Jankoski.
Mrs. W. H. Bridgman returned Sunday from St. Louis, where she has been for the past two months at the home of her daughter, Mrs. James W. Irwin.
WEST WORDEN locals A son was born to Mr. and Mrs. Adam Posdell, Friday, Dec. 13.
Miss Alva Samulson, who teaches at Green Lake, returned to her home here where she will spend the holidays.
80 Years Ago December 27, 1940
Superior, on December 26, following an emergency operation. Funeral Services were held at the Werner Funeral Home at Bloomer Friday afternoon. The Reverend Vaiser officiated at the services. Military rites were conducted by the Bloomer American Legion Post…Mr. Hanson was a former Stanley resident… Born at New Auburn March 1, 1905, survived along with others by his widow, the former Ruth Klund.
“Watch Night” Services Held in Local Churches The seriousness of the times, with war clouds hovering around 1950’s ending, led many Stanley persons to church on New Year’s eve. There, with meditation and prayer, 1951 was ushered in with emphasis on a reflective mood befitting the times.
Richard A. Hanson Funeral Services Held At Bloomer Richard Alvin Hanson died at St. Francis Hospital,
70 Years Ago January 4, 1951
Editor-Owner Ralph Bloom speaks in “It Says Here…” It’s not often in this day and age that a newspaper can print news about a reduction in taxes. Usually it’s the other way around. So it gave us a great deal of pleasure last week to be able to headline the good news that the Stanley “city fathers” have gotten the city’s finances to a point where taxes can be brought down two mills.
60 Years Ago December 15, 1960
3. Police Department— Let’s go all out with our next police car and get some red lights that can be seen. Yours in the window is just not adequate. Put one or two on the rood, so that when your car is at the scene of an accident and as people—(sightseers) crowd around, the light is not blocked off, as it was at the accident at the junction of Franklin and Maple Street last August 21st. I believe the cost would be well justified.
for. be used for tornado and other warning uses that our present one is just not adequate Editor-Owner Joe Fazendin speaks in “Scooting Around Stanley with Joe”Did you go out and see the big fire Sunday night? Most generally we here at The Republican do not. We do get criticized by many for not carrying fire pictures but quite simply, with the equipment we have (Polaroid camera) we just simply cannot get a good quality picture…As I pulled up to the corner, the fire trucks were just going by. Then a long line of cars followed. Firemen’s cars? No, sightseers. The firemen were hanging on the truck, facing the cold weather so they could get to the fire.
Being a fireman once myself, I know what it’s like to hang on the back of a truck with that cold air hitting you, and I also know what a bunch of sightseers can do to congest the fire area.
Now to make a few points: 1. If you are not a fireman, don’t follow the truck. First of all, you are breaking the law by doing so and are eligible for a fineable ticket, and second, you greatly hinder the firemen.
2. City Council—if you have not, why not look into a civil defense siren sytem. If the firemen could hear the siren, they would be at the fire station much, much sooner. And the siren could
50 Years Ago December 17, 1970
on the basketball court, all you can do is shrug your shoulders and work to play better next time. The girls basketball team ran out of luck last Thursday night at the gym, losing to Cadott, 30-29, Their record now stands at 4-2.
Girls Falter Against Cadott, Hornets Rally In Fourth Quarter When things go wrong
40 Years Ago December 25, 1980
hope and faith.
goal to continue upon those items. Accentuate the positive, instead of the negative… The positive goals can vary greatly from person to person. Some of the general items I would like to continue during 1991 are:* Being a mother – giving Alex the necessities he needs, including a lot of love, plus a little bit more (just a wee bit of spoiling.
*Being a wife – making a comfortable, loving, happy and health home for Joe (Hebert).
*Being a coach – volunteering to give about 40 girls the opportunity to correctly learn skills and teamwork while having fun.
*Being a journalist – giving readers fair and accurate news coverage.
*Being a volunteer – helping anyone possible through financial and physical donations.
Future ambitions: becoming an elementary Teacher. For all those readers who haven’t heard, I’ll be returning to collage in January to pursue a career in teaching. I enjoy working with children, including those in the impossible years when physical and emotional changes turn their world upside down… With 1991 approaching, fears of war, recession and impending violence within the U. S. (drugs, gangs, etc.), are very real. Where all these problems will end is impossible to predict, however, people can attempt to make life a little easier through the betterment of oneself, as well as Reporter Lori Hebert Speaks in “Hebert’s (A Bear’s) Den” Watch Out! Here Comes 1991!
With the hustle and bustle of the busy holiday season coming to an end and the upcoming “New Year,” many people are setting goals or resolutions to keep up in the year to come.
These goals or resolutions are fashioned around things that each person would like to change or improve on. Maybe people should also review the things they have done well in the past year and make a
30 Years Ago December 27, 1990
Stacey Goebel and Matt Nikolay Exchange Marriage Vows in Gilman On Sept. 16 (photo) Stacey Goebel and Matt Nikolay were united in marriage on Sept. 16 at St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church. Father Phil Juza officiated.
Parents of the bride are Margery and Chet Goebel of Stanley and Cleo and Jim Nikolay of Abbotsford.
Julie Bowe was the matron of honor. Donna Goodman, Theresa Back and Rebecca Ramsd served as bridesmaids. Stephanie Goebel was the flower girl.
Jeff Wickersham was the best man. Tom Schindler, Carl Anderson and Jim Archambo were the groomsmen. Connor Nickolay was the ringbearer.
Brian Goebel and Steve Nikolay were the ushers.
A reception was held at Meadowview Country Club in Owen…The couple will reside in Holmen.
20 Years Ago December 28, 2000
Five generations strong!
(photo) Five generations of the Loibl family recently gathered for a photograph. There are, in front, greatgreat- grandmother Rose Loibl holding baby Wylee Huset (born Sept. 21, 2005). Back row is grandmother Tammy Duss, great-grandfather Richard Loibl and mother Crystal Huset.
15 Years Ago December 22. 2005
