Most Reverend Jerome E. Listecki
Archbishop of Milwaukee
 

Last weekend was “Cardinal Harvey Fest” in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. It was a joyous occasion as we finally had the opportunity to celebrate the elevation of Archbishop James Harvey to the College of Cardinals. These events allowed many who did not have the opportunity to attend the consistory, where Pope Benedict XVI elevated Archbishop Harvey to the rank of Cardinal, a Prince of the Church, to congratulate the cardinal in person.

Everyone who has known Cardinal Harvey throughout the years has come to understand what a prince of a man he is. His graciousness, gentility and humility are grounded in a deep and profound love for Christ and His Church.

Cardinal Harvey was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Milwaukee in 1975 and has always been grateful to God for his vocation, as well as to the community of our archdiocese, which fostered his call to priesthood. He has never forgotten his roots and many who have been fortunate to visit Rome have discovered a piece of Milwaukee at the Vatican. Cardinal Harvey’s positions have placed him in direct relationship with some of the great ecclesiastical figures of the modern age, such as Pope Benedict XVI and the soon to be Saint John Paul II. Even so, Cardinal Harvey was a quiet, behind the scenes servant, who always displayed a joy in whatever priestly role he was assigned.

Last Friday, a Solemn Evening Vespers was celebrated in the Mater Christi Chapel at the Cousins Center. It was here that Cardinal Harvey started his studies for the priesthood. His thoughtful words that night reflected memories of professors and classmates who contributed to the journey – all for the love of Christ and His Church.

During Vespers, Cardinal Harvey was presented a “Johnny,” an artistic depiction of St. John the Evangelist. This tribute highlighted him as a native son of the Archdiocese. A reception followed, which allowed many to congratulate Cardinal Harvey and thank him for his service.

On Saturday, a luncheon was held at the Hyatt Hotel. Family, friends and clerics gathered to listen to Bishops William Callahan and David Malloy, and Fathers Curt Frederick and John Burns, pay tribute to Cardinal Harvey. They each have various perspectives of him from different times during his life – in studies for the priesthood, in diplomatic service, as head of the Papal household and in his relationship to the North American College and the Milwaukee seminarians who study there.

Three toasts were given at the luncheon: one by Seminarian John LoCoco to Pope Francis, a second by Kiara Mack, former Archdiocese of Milwaukee Catholic Stewardship Appeal co-chair, to the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, and a third, by Father Ken Omernick, who toasted our guest of honor. I exercised my prerogative as Archbishop to add a fourth toast to Mrs. Ruth Harvey, the Cardinal’s mother, for the gift of her son to the Church.

After the lunch, we traveled to the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, where Cardinal Harvey was the main celebrant at the 5:15 p.m. Mass. At the beginning of  Mass, I publicly acknowledged the surrendering of the Archbishop cathedra (the chair), always reserved for the Archbishop, to Cardinal Harvey who had returned to celebrate as a native son of the archdiocese. His homily focused on the importance of avoiding greed in all forms and remembering always that we are fashioned for God, with our ultimate destiny being with God forever.

The celebration brought to mind the importance of witnessing to the faith and the lives of so many that influences us to commit to Christ and His Church. As an archdiocese, we are proud of our relationship with Cardinal Harvey and his appreciation for the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, his home. It was a celebration of God’s love for us and our responsibility to LOVE ONE ANOTHER.

Note: This blog originally appeared as the August 6, 2013 "Love One Another" email sent to Catholics throughout the Archdiocese of Milwaukee by Archbishop Jerome E. Listecki. If you are interested in signing up for these email messages, please click here.