Most Reverend Jerome E. Listecki
Archbishop of Milwaukee
 

The year 2013 was definitely a “two for” for the Church Universal. It was the year we had two Popes. Benedict the XVI abdicated the Papal throne. This was the first time in more than 400 years that a pope stepped down. His frail physical condition forced his personal decision for the sake of the Church. True leaders think not of themselves but the people they serve. The Vicar of Christ on earth knew that the role of Peter would be better served by someone who could lead the Church with strength during these difficult and contentious times.

Many questioned who the Cardinals would choose as a successor. Would it be an “insider”? Would he be young? Would he be older? Perhaps he would be an interim. Speculation abounded. Who emerged was someone almost no one expected. It must be the work of the Holy Spirit.

Cardinal Bergoglio from Argentina immediately captured the hearts and the imagination of the world. His humble and non-pretentious style spoke volumes about the Christian personality that now serves the Church. The excitement seems to continue as Time Magazine named Pope Francis the Person of the Year. However, popularity is fleeting and this pope like others will be used by various groups to try to further personal agendas, rather than embrace the teachings offered by the Vicar of Christ and be challenged by the Gospel message in its totality. A true religious leader understands that the throne he assumes is the Cross of Christ and the crown is thorns. I know that the prayers of his predecessor are offered daily for his courage.
 
2013 was also a “two for” for the Archdiocese. It was the year we hosted two cardinals in one week, Cardinal Timothy Dolan for the Pallium Lecture and Cardinal James Harvey as the honored guest of the Seminary Dinner. Two different personalities yet; both tremendous credits to the Roman Catholic Church they serve.

Cardinal Dolan served as Archbishop of Milwaukee from 2002-2009. He brought “vitality” to the faithful of the archdiocese when it was most needed. I was recently at St. Ben’s distributing food, and a homeless gentleman approached me and shared that he thought Dolan makes religion interesting. What a great compliment for someone to hold that a religious leader could entice a person to reflect on their religious practices. Cardinal Dolan’s election as President of the USCCB demonstrated that he continues to inspire others in the practice of the faith.

Cardinal Harvey is a native son of Milwaukee and has carried on a religious love affair with the archdiocese for all the years of his priesthood and episcopacy. He has been a great representative personally serving two popes. It is wonderful to think that the foundations of the faith impressed upon Cardinal Harvey while in Milwaukee have influenced the Church Universal. That week in September was a great one for the Archdiocese of Milwaukee and also this has also been a great year.
 
But there are more great years ahead, because for Pope Benedict, Pope Francis, Cardinal Dolan, Cardinal Harvey and all of us, it’s about loving one another. So Happy New Year 2014! Hugs and kisses for everyone, especially Christ’s friends who Love One Another.

Note: This blog originally appeared as the December 31, 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.