Most Reverend Jerome E. Listecki
Archbishop of Milwaukee
 

For me, last Saturday Nov. 2, was an all-Catholic day. It began early in the morning with the celebration of three Masses on the feast of All Souls. On All Souls Day, a priest is allowed to celebrate three Masses: one for personal intentions, another for the faithful and the third for the intentions of the Pope (Pope Francis certainly needs our prayers). Remembering the souls of the dead is extremely important. During my grammar school years, the good sisters reminded all of us to pray especially for the most neglected souls in purgatory.

Many Catholics have forgotten the teaching on purgatory. Father Hardon, S.J., explains: “Purgatory is the place or condition in which the souls of the just are purified after death and before they enter heaven.” (Modern Catholic Dictionary) It’s consoling to me that I can assist those souls even after death with my prayers and good works.

It’s also important to note that the souls in purgatory can intercede for us. In a world where we are never held responsible and it’s almost unthinkable that God would hold us accountable for our actions the poor souls in purgatory become victims of theological complacency. My sister Penny always reminds me to pray for the most neglected soul in Purgatory. I hope that this neglected soul is interceding for all of us.

After Mass, I then laced up my red Chuck Taylor All Star gym shoes (really retro) and made my way to Mount Mary University, for the “Soles for Catholic Education” Walk. The goal of the Walk was two-fold: first, to raise awareness of the 170-year contribution of Catholic education to individuals, the Church and our entire society, and second, to raise funds to assist our schools in providing tuition assistance to keep Catholic education accessible and affordable.

Early in the Walk’s development, it was difficult to project just what type of response we would receive. As the registration of walkers grew, we knew the day would be a success – but never to the extent that it was. It was, as the young say, an “awesome” sight to be a part of 7,000 people, all supporters of Catholic education.

The atmosphere was a bit like the Volks marches (Peoples walk) that I experienced in Germany when families would come together on a Saturday to walk, enjoying nature and feeling a great sense of belonging. It was also like an alumni gathering with men and women recognizing and reminiscing about their school days. It was a bit like a carnival or a fair, with so many individuals representing their schools with pride.

Needless to say, without the benefactors who believe in the power of Catholic education, this event could never have happened. Even the “world famous” Klement’s Sausages that we see at Milwaukee Brewers games were there. We all have affection for our parochial schools – the parish communities that educated us – but seldom do we realize that as Catholics, we are connected to one another and Catholic education means that we are one. The Walk gave us a reason to celebrate our common purpose, to witness our support and to raise funds for a good cause. I wore my Catholic pride on my sleeve and the soles of my shoes (check out our Facebook page for some great pictures).

After the Walk, I then jumped in my car and made my way to West Bend for the Women of Christ conference. The Women of Christ seek to deepen their relationship with Christ. They spent the day in prayer, inspired by a number of presenters, and taking part in the sacrament of reconciliation, Eucharistic adoration and then ending the day with Mass. There is no doubt that these women, all 1,600 of them, love Christ and His Church. You could feel the positive power that they generated and you knew that you were in the presence of a true force.

This year, one of the presenters was a classmate of mine, Rev. Richard Simon. He hosts a program on Relevant Radio called “Fr. Simon Says.” As a presenter at the conference, his theme of the Eucharist examined the sacrificial love of Christ; No true love without sacrifice. His presentation was both informative and touching, as he, himself, is an example of a loving pastor. I was privileged to offer the closing Mass, sending them forth with the blessings of the Church. These women work all year to present a conference that challenges women to deepen their faith. I am so grateful for their efforts in building our Church.

Truly, Saturday was one of those all-Catholic days and I was reminded that I am one blessed Archbishop with more than 7,000 people supporting Catholic education, and 1,600 women proclaiming their love for Christ. What a great faith! What a terrific Church! So, together let’s pray for that neglected soul in purgatory so that the neglected soul in purgatory will intercede for us before God. After all, we are one family and we should Love One Another.

Note: This blog originally appeared as the November 5, 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.