Two more Conventual Franciscan priest join new Viterbo(La Crosse) chaplain

Fr. Conrad Targonski, OFM,
blessing two of the many animals
present at the pet blessing on
St. Francis Day.

Though retired from the Navy after 22 years as a chaplain, this motorcycle-riding Franciscan friar who had been involved in the Fallujah offensive in Iraq, is far from done serving.

Targonski arrived at Viterbo University in March 2011 to fill the very large void left when Viterbo's previous priest, the Rev. Tom O'Neill, a former Jesuit, died in 2009. He had served at Viterbo since 1994.

Targonski is the first Franciscan friar to serve at Viterbo as its chaplain and has been joined by two other friars who minister to St. Rose Convent and the Mayo Health Center.

"Father Conrad is a real gift to Viterbo and our community," said Rick Artman, university president.

"His life experiences help him relate extremely well with students. He also is very well versed in the scriptures, very knowledgeable about other religions, and he is an excellent homilist. He is a perfect fit for Viterbo."

LaxTrib

The La Crosse diocese has in the past needed to devote at least a couple of priests for the whole campus.  I don't know the details but this might free up some for parish duties. 

"A holy game of ultimate frisbee"

Pictured here are students from Winona State University,
Saint Mary's University and Viterbo (La Crosse, Wis.) with
Sister Bernadette of the Franciscan Sisters of the Martyr St.
George and Fr. Tom Neihaus, during their retreat entitled,
"Mary: Mother of the Eucharist".

Thomas Parlin - Winona State University Newman Center- More than 30 students from the Universities of Winona State, Viterbo and St. Mary’s of Winona came together for retreat in Camp Ehawee, north of LaCrosse, the weekend of October 29-31. The theme of the retreat was “Mary: Mother of the Eucharist”.

The retreat was facilitated by Father Tom Niehaus from Winona’s Catholic Newman Center and Patrick Andera from Viterbo. The lodge of Camp Ehawee, a girl scout camp, was transformed into holy ground when a portable tabernacle was set up and the Body of Christ was placed in the monstrance in the center of the room. Since the whole retreat was in this one big room, students ate, slept and worshiped in the holy presence of Christ.

On the first night students participated in Perpetual Adoration, committing to taking turns praying before the Blessed Sacrament throughout the night. There were a series of talks which pointed to Mary and her role in God’s salvation plan for us in being the ultimate tabernacle for Christ. There were opportunities for students to reflect on these mysteries, and a holy game of ultimate frisbee. They were also well fed.

The students on the retreat were receptive to the message, willing to pray, and fun to be with. “The Retreat was one of healing and restoring energy away from our crazy lives at our respective college campuses...We could just be who God created us to freely be.” (Adreianna Spear from Waseca, Minnesota and a student at Winona State University). All who participated in this event were examples of the great thirst for holiness that is present in our young adults today.

Winona Courier; Dec 2010

At first glance I thought "great news, these schools need some solid devotions."  Then when I read it a second time, I got the sense the author of the article is a bit ....  what's the word.... confused?  I know the Franciscan Sisters of the Martyr St. George are a solid order so I wouldn't expect shenanigans like co-ed sleeping arrangements on a retreat.

Was it Jesus who was being thrown around in this "holy game of ultimate frisbee"??