Most Reverend Jerome E. Listecki
Archbishop of Milwaukee
 

Every January, as a Universal Church, we renew our commitment to Pro-Life efforts. Those who may be familiar with my coat of arms will recognize that my motto is “Life is Christ.” This is taken from Paul’s letter to the Philippians. Paul, facing his own death, ponders whether it is better to die and be with Christ for this is gain, or is it better to live and continue to preach in the service of Christ. “For to me life is Christ and death is gain.” (Phil 1:21)

The early Christians tried to see Christ in their brothers and sisters. The Church in her wisdom continues to hold the precious gift of life, knowing that we are stewards of this life entrusted to us. In the teaching of the Church, we are made in the image and likeness of God. In the Ten Commandments we are forbidden from killing, yet, members of our society protect laws that sanction the right to extinguish human lives. I often wonder what my grandparents would say about our country supporting the destruction of the innocent. I can almost say with certainty what position my mother’s mother -- an immigrant -- would have taken, as a woman blessed to endure thirteen pregnancies.

One of the most hopeful signs that the life issue is beginning to take root in the consciences of the public, is that the majority of our youth claim to support the pro-life mission. Last year’s March for Life in Washington D.C. was a testimony of that fact. It was one of the highlights of an event-filled year.

This year, I will not travel to D.C. for the March for Life, but my enthusiasm for the cause has not waned. On January 19, our Nazareth Project presents IGNITE Milwaukee, an evening Mass and send-off for those marchers traveling to Washington D.C. We’ll pray together and focus on the importance of personal witness. On Tuesday, January 21, Holy Hours for Life will be conducted by the deacons of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee.

Shortly after my installation as the eleventh archbishop of Milwaukee, I was at St. Charles Borromeo, Milwaukee to participate in a Holy Hour for Life conducted by one of our permanent deacons. I am very proud that our deacons have taken on this task as a ministry which they have claimed. In the early church, the deacons were instituted to take care of the widows and orphans and to serve those in need. Who is more forgotten and defenseless than the child in the womb? In most parishes, the Holy Hour begins at 7 p.m.

On Wednesday, January 22, there will be a Rosary Walk for Life. It begins at 1:30 p.m. at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, processes through the streets to Affiliated Medical Services, then returns to the Cathedral at 3 p.m. The rosary is a powerful weapon in the defense of the unborn, calling upon Mary’s intercession.

Then, on that same Wednesday evening at 7 p.m., a Respect Life Mass will be celebrated at Holy Rosary Church, Kenosha. I have offered Mass at various Churches in the archdiocese and this year we travel to our most southern county.

Please join me for any or all of these events and pray with me for a change of heart for the nation. 

“Life is Christ” and we see him more clearly when we LOVE ONE ANOTHER.

Note: This blog originally appeared as the January 14, 2014 "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.