Most Reverend Jerome E. Listecki
Archbishop of Milwaukee
 

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I think that I speak for most bishops when I say that one of the ministerial tasks that we love to perform is the ordination of new clergy. This past Saturday, May 17 in the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist at 10:30 a.m., I ordained nine men to the priesthood for the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. This was the largest ordination class in the last 32 years.

Those who have been involved with Saint Francis de Sales Seminary in the last few decades have no doubt taken pride in the development of the formation program and are very supportive of the accomplishments of the faculty, administration, and seminarians. There has been a strong emphasis on vocations by the Archdiocese of Milwaukee that has created an environment for vocational discernment. The large number of this past ordination class certainly is unusual – not only for our community, but archdioceses and dioceses across the country that have taken note. 

On Saturday, local media outlets were present, seeking interviews and questioning me and some of the young transitional deacons as to why there were such large numbers here, when priestly vocations and ordinations are down elsewhere. It even drew the attention of a New York Times reporter who professed interest; they all wish to know the secret formula in our success.

I hated to disappoint them, but there is no secret formula. We are a spiritual people, and our first understanding is always the movement of the Holy Spirit who has guided these men. The Archdiocese of Milwaukee is rich in the faithful’s commitment to the spiritual life. Prayers are often offered daily for vocations and for the protection and strengthening of our priests, who offer a clear witness to the importance of transcendence. 

We live in a world where everyone does their own thing. But these men have been charged with the presentation of the mission of Jesus Christ, “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit.” (Matthew 28:19) They surrender themselves to the care for the souls entrusted to them. They understand you cannot live a full, happy life without God’s love, and the greatest example is found in Jesus Christ and the Cross. These men will introduce their communities to the Jesus that they know and love in the Eucharist, in the Scriptures, in charitable works, and through His mercy in the forgiveness of sins.  

Only the Holy Spirit knows the challenges that will confront these nine newly ordained priests, but as their archbishop, I can say without hesitancy that our Lord will accompany them in their journey.      

At the end of my homily, I confessed that I did not remember anything from the homily preached by the ordaining cardinal 49 years ago. However, I wanted to leave them with a phrase, just seven words for them to remember that I know will assure them of the full experience of happiness in their priesthood: “Faithfully serve Jesus Christ in His Church.” 

The joy of knowing the Lord and sharing Him with others is reflected in the sentiment offered by St. Teresa of Calcutta, which I paraphrase: “We are not called to be successful; we are called to be faithful.” They have not chosen God. Rather, God has chosen them to go and bear fruit that will last. Through that call, they will LOVE ONE ANOTHER.     

Sincerely,

Most Reverend Jerome E. Listecki

Archbishop of Milwaukee          

Note: This blog originally appeared as the May 21, 2024, "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.