Most Reverend Jerome E. Listecki
Archbishop of Milwaukee
 

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

May 14 holds a special place in my personal history. On a beautiful spring day at the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary in Mundelein, Ill., 37 of my classmates and I were ordained priests by John Cardinal Cody, the Archbishop of Chicago. We were joined by family, friends and priests who accompanied us on our journey to this moment. For several of us, this was the culmination of our studies, which began in the minor seminary either at Quigley North or South, and then on to Niles College of Loyola University, and our final four years in the theologate at St. Mary of the Lake.  

Time has a way of stealing from us the individuals who attended the liturgical ceremony that marked that day. Many parents, siblings, friends and priest mentors are now with God, including the ordaining archbishop – may they rest in peace. But the moment of their presence is forever captured in the memories of that day. In the morning, we entered as deacons, but we emerged from the beautiful Chapel of the Immaculate Conception, processing to the seminary piazza, now as priests, offering personal blessings to those who attended. We were changed forever. I’m sure none of us understood the path that our priesthood would take, but one thing is sure: it would be Jesus through our priesthood who would be our partner in the journey. 

There was a saying among the priests of my time that the newly ordained are the “darlings of the archdiocese.” We were on a schedule of first Masses, Mass celebrations at high schools, diaconal parishes and memorial celebrations. We were held up with pride before the archdiocesan community. After a year, however, you were considered an experienced member of the presbyterate and affectionately referred to as a “Herb” (a reference to a senior priest). The bloom was undoubtedly off the rose. Today, I certainly am in the “Herb” category.

In my case, I can honestly say that I would never have envisioned the path the Holy Spirit would take me. Yet as I look back, I see the Lord’s presence in the families and friends who have taken me into their homes and hearts. My own family was generous in the sharing of their priest – son, brother, nephew and cousin. Understanding my absence from family gatherings because of a commitment to parish or ministerial responsibilities. My absence never diminished my love for the family, but only enhanced my gratitude to God for His Divine providence.

Although I only served my first six months in a parish before receiving an assignment as a teacher in the minor seminary, the people and families I encountered then still claim me as their priest. Now 49 years later, I am still celebrating their sacraments, anniversaries and sadly the funerals that mark our relationship through Christ and His Church.     

Originally, I had envisioned my priesthood to be that of a parish priest and then a pastor until retirement. But if you want to make God laugh, just tell Him your plans. My priesthood would take me back to the Minor Seminary Quigley North, to Rome, to the Archdiocesan Major Seminary, Supply priest at St. Joseph’s in Wilmette, Ill., Military Chaplaincy United States Army Reserve, and finally after 24 years, receiving my first appointment as pastor at St. Ignatius in Chicago, thinking that here I would certainly spend my last years with possibly one more assignment, but no! Three months after my appointment, I was named Auxiliary Bishop of Chicago, then Bishop of La Crosse, Wis., and now Archbishop of Milwaukee. I would like to say these are my last days, although I hesitate to tell or infer anything to God about my plans – I realize that I am playing with someone who holds all the cards.

It is now 49 years since that memorable day at St. Mary of the Lake where I fulfilled my life-long dream of being a priest. I am humbled that He has chosen me to be His servant, and I am thankful to the Catholic Church established by Jesus that has provided for me so great a family and so many of His friends. 

I pray for my fellow classmates, family, those entrusted to my care and my strength to carry out His plan. May my life and yours follow His command to LOVE ONE ANOTHER.

Sincerely,

Most Reverend Jerome E. Listecki

Archbishop of Milwaukee          

Note: This blog originally appeared as the May 14, 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.