Most Reverend Jerome E. Listecki
Archbishop of Milwaukee
 

On Saturday, November 24, in the Basilica of St. Peter in Rome, Pope Benedict XVI created the third cardinal in the history of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee: native son James Michael Harvey. It was a grand day for the Church, the Archdiocese of Milwaukee and Archbishop Harvey’s family and friends.

I have decided that I have the touch of red, as this is the third consistory in which I have participated. I replaced Bishop Raymond Burke in La Crosse and he became a cardinal, then I replaced Archbishop Timothy Dolan and he became a cardinal. Now, I serve in the home archdiocese of Archbishop Harvey. So, if there are clerics who aspire to wear red, they should petition the pope for me to replace them or lead their native diocese. But, be sure to call the pope first.

His Eminence James Cardinal Harvey was one of six archbishops to receive this honor. The archbishops represent the universality of the Church, these leaders from Columbia, India, Lebanon, the Philippines, Nigeria and the United States. Cardinal Harvey was the first one named to the College of Cardinals and was therefore the designated spokesperson for the group of six. He led them in the profession of faith as well as the oath of fidelity. He did it in Latin, and all I could think of were those Latin exams early in our seminary training. This was Christendom’s world stage, no room for mistakes, and Cardinal Harvey’s Latin pronunciation was flawless.

I know from personal experience that fidelity to the pope and the Church has been a hallmark of Archbishop Harvey’s priesthood and episcopacy. He has been a servant of the Church working for the Gospel of Jesus Christ from behind the scenes, shunning personal attention which he always reserved for the pope and the Holy See.

Archbishop Harvey received the red hat and the ring, symbols of a prince of the Church. I am reminded of the late Blessed John Paul II’s first remarks to the College of Cardinals: the red that you wear is not so much a sign of the robe of a prince but rather a sign of the blood of the martyrs that witnessed to Christ and His Church.

The next day, the newly designated cardinals concelebrated Mass with Pope Benedict. Again, Cardinal Harvey addressed the pope on behalf of the group, expressing their profound thanks to him and their undying loyalty to the Catholic Church which they love and serve.

A touching moment for me was seeing Ruth Harvey, his mother, receive Holy Communion from Pope Benedict XVI. The memories of her son’s life must have been flooding over her. Now, seeing her son recognized by the pope as a prince of the Church, must have been overwhelming. The many years of family support for his vocation and priesthood has always been evident. I know that Jim’s father must have been smiling from heaven. His brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews could now all claim bragging rights, that they were the one in particular that inspired their brother and uncle to this moment of greatness.

On Sunday afternoon, a dinner was held at the North American College (NAC) in James Cardinal Harvey’s honor. Cardinal Harvey is an alumnus of the college and the NAC was basking in the glow of the honor bestowed on one of its own. Fr. Jacob Strand offered a toast that characterized the priestly nature of Cardinal Harvey and his fatherly care for the seminarians from Milwaukee and others from the college.

Cardinal Harvey’s remarks reflected the humble and spiritual person who has been known to so many. He paid tribute to the two great leaders that he has had the privilege to serve, Blessed John Paul II and Benedict XVI. Additional guests included friends from Milwaukee, the United States and around the globe. Cardinal Harvey’s graciousness and genuine care marks his service to the Church wherever he served.

We will set aside a day in the future at Cardinal Harvey’s convenience to honor him with a Mass of Thanksgiving, giving an opportunity to his many friends and classmates here in Milwaukee to greet him and extend our best wishes. Jim Harvey, Fr. Harvey, Bishop Harvey, Archbishop Harvey and now Cardinal Harvey, has never forgotten his roots in Milwaukee and has never been ashamed to express his love for the archdiocese. It is here that he learned from his family and friends, from priest mentors and spiritual guides, to follow the mandate given by Jesus to LOVE ONE ANOTHER.

Note: This blog originally appeared as the November 27, 2012 "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.