Most Reverend Jerome E. Listecki
Archbishop of Milwaukee
 

As we approach Thanksgiving, I turn to a reading from Phil 1:3-7. “I give thanks to my God at every remembrance of you, praying always with joy in my every prayer for all of you, because of your partnership for the gospel from the first day until now. I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work in you will continue to complete it until the day of Christ Jesus. It is right that I should think this way about all of you, because I hold you in my heart, you who are all partners with me in grace…”

I count the Archdiocese of Milwaukee – its priests, religious, deacons and lay faithful – as a true gift in my life. The various stories of the witness to faith have inspired me and many Catholics. I know that I am remembered at the holy Sacrifice of the Mass by reason of my position. But, I want you to know that I remember you, the archdiocese, at my Masses, as well as the many friends and relatives that have formed my life in Christ in and through the Church.

In particular, I have remembered in thanksgiving my assisting bishops, Bishop Richard Sklba and Bishop Donald Hying. They have shared episcopal ministry with me and have assisted me in knowing the archdiocese and understanding the sacrifices that have been made to establish the greatness of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee.

The announcement was made yesterday that Bishop Donald Hying was appointed by Pope Francis as the new ordinary of the Diocese of Gary, Ind. It was a great selection for the people of Gary, who will have a bishop who loves the Church and has a heart for serving the people of God.

I know a little about the Diocese of Gary. My boyhood home was a 15-minute bike ride from Whiting, Ind., which is in the Diocese of Gary. The people of Gary are hardworking, faith-filled people who have suffered the loss of industry, including the steel mills, but despite economic depression, their faith has grown. Bishop Dale Melczek has been an anchor of faith, leading his people with a gentle hand. Bishop Hying will find a diocese that has been spiritually nourished.

I will miss Bishop Hying, who has been a blessing to all of us. But I know that the Archdiocese of Milwaukee will always be his home. I give thanks that we were blessed to have him with us for more than three years as our auxiliary bishop. On the day of his ordination, I encouraged Bishop Don to exemplify docility, generosity and holiness. He has more than fulfilled my challenge. Now, the Church will use him as an instrument to further the great commissioning of Jesus Christ.

This Thanksgiving, I have much to be thankful before God, especially for a community that strives to LOVE ONE ANOTHER.

Note: This blog originally appeared as the November 25, 2014 "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.