Most Reverend Jerome E. Listecki
Archbishop of Milwaukee
 

The patron saint of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee and the Cathedral is St. John the Evangelist, the beloved Apostle, which is the reason why this email is entitled “Love One Another,” or LOA. This is a tribute to St. John, whose great statement, “God is Love,” shapes the faith of Christians throughout the ages. Throughout his Gospel and letters, he stated that we should love one another.
 
However, it was obvious from the very beginning of my role as archbishop that the most notable sign of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee was not the Cathedral, but rather the tower of St. Francis de Sales Seminary. The picture of the “antebellum” seminary tower seemed to capture the attention of many of our faithful. Perhaps because it represents the oldest seminary in the entire Midwest, or because so many priests have studied under the dome, or simply because of the architectural beauty. 
 
A couple of years ago, the current rector, Father John Hemsing, highlighted the seminary tower as a beacon for Lake Michigan seafarers. Appropriately, the seminary was a point of direction for navigators as they approached the shores of Milwaukee. The seminary itself is a point of direction for those who seek to follow Jesus and His Church. Today, the tree-lined road leading to the picturesque tower creates a visual eye treat for everyone, no matter the season.
 
Many names could have been chosen for the seminary, but it was St. Francis de Sales that received the nod. The origin of this ethnic community was definitely German, so one would think a strong, German saint would have christened the edifice (i.e. St. Otto Fidelis, St. Bruno or even St. Boniface, the one who converted the Germanic tribes), but instead, my predecessor, Archbishop Henni, decide on the French-born, Swiss Bishop of Geneva, St. Francis de Sales. 
 
Born in 1567 to a wealthy family, St. Francis could have had a very comfortable career in education or the legal profession, but instead he followed the path to priesthood. His great influence was St. John’s epistle and the quote, “God is love.” It seems that act of Divine love formed St. Francis’ entire life. Committing himself to the love of God, he wrote “Introduction to the Devout Life,” a classic spiritual text to this very day. 
 
He was noted for his spiritual direction. It was said that he counseled thousands through letters. Imagine: no emails or typewriters, just pen and ink. Because of this, the Church declared him to be the patron saint of writers and journalists. His sound advice was given through dedication to the Gospel and one’s vocation. He concentrated on the laity, declaring that they should seek holiness in whatever position of life God has given them. Saints seem to beget saints, and St. Jane Francis de Chantal was influenced by her mentor, St. Francis, in seeking a life of perfection and service to the poor.
 
“Treatise on the Love of God,” St. Francis’ famous spiritual work, shaped many in their commitment to the power of God’s love in their everyday life. God certainly had His sights on the Seminary and Milwaukee when Archbishop Henni chose St. Francis de Sales as our secondary patron saint. 
 
St. Francis himself worked closely with the Capuchin Community, and they have been very influential here. He is patron saint of the Deaf, and here in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, we have had an active ministry for our Deaf/Hard of Hearing community for decades. Recently, the Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest has offered the extraordinary form at St. Stanislaus Parish here in Milwaukee – their patron is St. Francis de Sales. 
 
St. Francis himself is the patron saint of educators, and has been a guiding light for the multitude of priests and minsters receiving their degrees from the seminary. 
 
For all his great writings and spiritual life, St. Francis was declared a Doctor of the Church. I have heard it said that, as Thomas is the “Angelic Doctor,” St. Francis is the “Doctor of Love.” I am sure that on this, his feast day of Jan. 24, he would say without hesitation: LOVE ONE ANOTHER. 

Note: This blog originally appeared as the January 24, 2017 "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.