Days gone by

100 years ago – June 1924 

The writers of “The Cathedral Bulletin” were pleased with the success of its first issue as they received many compliments and kind words about the publication. The second issue featured information about the Boy Scouts and the plans to organize a Boy Scout troop in Duluth. The Girl Scouts were already established at that time, and it was reported that the Sacred Heart Girl Scout troop attended a Duluth city rally, with many girls in the troop receiving badges. 

75 years ago — June 1949 

The diocese celebrated the ordination of Msgr. Bernard Popesh. Msgr. Popesh, who was originally from Ely, was ordained by Bishop Thomas Welsh at the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Duluth. A celebration was held marking the 25th jubilee of the Rev. John O’Connell, pastor of St. Rose in Proctor. Also, a meeting was held at St. Mary’s Hospital in Duluth to organize a diocesan Council of Catholic Nurses. The national council had chapters in all 50 states, and was formed to protect, encourage, and advance the spiritual, professional, and material welfare and social contacts of Catholic nurses. 

50 years ago — June 1974 

The diocese celebrated the ordination of Father John Beckfelt, originally from Grand Rapids, who was ordained to serve the Diocese of LaCrosse, Wis. He was ordained by Bishop Frederick W. Freking at Our Lady of Peace Church, Marshfield, Wis. The diocese also marked the silver jubilee of Msgr. Bernard Popesh, who was ordained in 1949. Msgr. Popesh served many roles in the diocese, including pastor, chancellor, chaplain at St. Scholastica, and vicar general. Father John O’Connell also celebrated his 50th anniversary to the priesthood. Father O’Connell, who was born in Ireland and served at many parishes across the diocese, was well known across the diocese as a builder, rebuilder, and remodeler of churches, schools, rectories, and convents. 

10 years ago — June 2014 

A Memorial Mass for the late Father Edward Foster was held at Immaculate Heart Church in Crosslake. Father Foster served the Diocese of Duluth for 52 years. He died in late 2013 in Ireland. The late Sister Mary Charles McGough had her work featured at the Tweed Museum of Art. Sister Mary Charles, who created more than 85 religious icons, worked in a wide variety of media, including fabric banners, graphic design, ceramics, wood carvings, mosaic and stained glass, and painting. Also, Deacons Timothy Lange and Blake Rozier were ordained to the priesthood at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary by Bishop Paul Sirba. Both studied at St. Paul Seminary in St. Paul.