Most Reverend Jerome E. Listecki
Archbishop of Milwaukee
 

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

It is easy to reminisce when you are standing next to your successor in front of a bank of news reporters in the cafeteria at Saint Francis de Sales Seminary.

As the new Archbishop-Designate, Bishop Jeffery Scott Grob, was introduced on Monday, immediately my thoughts raced back 15 years. I could not believe it was 15 years ago when I was presented as Pope Benedict’s choice to lead the archdiocese, entrusted with the care for the souls of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee.

The press was very aggressive and wanted to know of my plans for the battle-worn Archdiocese of Milwaukee that was devastated by the clergy sexual abuse crisis. I had to attempt to do the right thing by the abuse survivors while at the same time avoiding those driven to destroy the Church. I really did not know what was awaiting my time as archbishop. I needed to trust in God. It was He who put me into this position and I was confident He would guide my steps along the way.

As the 15 years flashed before me, I recalled my growing confidence in the archdiocesan priests who were dedicated to serving the Church while criticized and demeaned unjustly by some. Their true love for their work captured my attention, along with the inspiration of the people they served. I marveled at the depth of spirituality in many of the lay faithful. Devotional groups kept the faithful fueled. The professional legal teams gave tremendous support to the issues in bankruptcy. The seminary started to grow with young men who desired to serve the Church —inspired by Pope John Paul and Pope Benedict — and remembering St. John Paul’s mantra “Be not afraid,” which he lived until his last breath. They were seeking no lukewarm Catholicism but one which boldly spoke to the culture and offered hope to a visionless world. Here at the seminary on Monday, we stood before the cameras and looked beyond to see the crowded room of seminarians which 15 years ago would have numbered two-thirds fewer.

I next recalled another key moment, 10 years ago, when we held a local synod, collaborating and consulting with the lay faithful on the direction that we as an archdiocese should take for the next 10 to 15 years. We educated ourselves through a Pastoral Letter, “Who Do You Say That I Am?” to deepen our understanding of the nature of the Church. We did all this to better serve Christ and His Church.

As I stood looking and listening to the remarks of the new archbishop, I also remembered our Catholic schools and the great and creative work of our superintendent and school promoters in aligning our schools with Catholic identity, academic excellence and social responsibility. In particular, the development of Seton Catholic Schools in Milwaukee allows the Church to make a difference in underserved areas of our city.

Confronted by the coronavirus in 2020, parishes sought creative ways to offer Mass and distribute the Eucharist. I recalled how this time reinforced the importance of the Real Presence and the need to pray together on Sunday.

Also around this time, we wanted our parishes to build on a firm foundation and we announced the capital campaign LOVE ONE ANOTHER, our mandate by Jesus and for us to contribute our share to strengthen our Church for years to come.

We also established an Order of Catechists to strengthen the teaching of the Church in all areas of ministry.

As I returned from this trip down memory lane of 15 years of blessed experiences with those who love the Church, I watched with wonder this man who would be taking the reins of this archdiocese, this family that I love.

During our time of waiting since I submitted my retirement to Pope Francis in March, some asked what I was praying for regarding the next archbishop, and without hesitancy I stated, ‘I am praying for a good holy man with a priestly heart.’ On Monday, God answered my prayers, and I know he will help us to LOVE ONE ANOTHER.

Sincerely,

Most Reverend Jerome E. Listecki

Archbishop of Milwaukee          

Note: This blog originally appeared as the November 5, 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.