Most Reverend Jerome E. Listecki
Archbishop of Milwaukee
 

Memorial Day weekend, by its very nature, celebrates memories. Saturday found me at Holy Hill celebrating the 150th anniversary of this sacred shrine dedicated to Our Lady Help of Christians. I am constantly amazed at the number of people throughout the Midwest that have visited this Shrine. Many of my Chicago friends talk of their families making visits to the Shrine annually. It is always a spectacular sight to see the Shrine Church as it sits majestically atop the hill like a throne for the Almighty. Holy Hill was designated early as a sacred place by the very first pastor of the area, Father Francis Paulhuber. According to Father Paulhuber, this place, which reminded him of home, would be a place of sacred gathering for years to come; this vision was maintained as others would build a cross signifying the sacredness of this mount.

In 1863, a Mass was celebrated on the feast of Mary Help of Christians, which marked the beginning of this special place. Recognizing the need for a stable community which could offer spiritual direction and serve the Shrine, Archbishop Messmer asked the Discalced Carmelites, noted for their spiritual formation (John of the Cross, Teresa of Avila and Teresa of the Child Jesus), to staff the Shrine Church. It was not easy to form a community there, given the challenging Wisconsin winters, yet their devotional life and dedication to Our Lady strengthened them in maintaining their resolve to witness to His presence at Holy Hill.

To commemorate this special 150th anniversary, beautiful bronze doors were installed and dedicated. They depict the Annunciation, Theresa of Avila and John of the Cross. They are a fitting entrance to the Basilica which has been a place of faith for over 150 years, bringing hope and consolation to those of faith.

As I stated in my homily, the Shrine continues to be built one “Brick” (a reference to Father Don Brick, current rector of the Shrine, which received a few chuckles from people in the pews) at a time, with each stone and mortar representing the souls and prayers of believers. The patrons and benefactors present were a who’s who of faithful Catholics who continue to build the Church through their love for Christ and Mary. It certainly is appropriate at this time in the history of our nation, which we call upon Mary Help of Christians to protect us, as we proclaim the Gospel to a society that rejects Christianity as irrelevant. It was an interesting comment made by Father John Sullivan that the Mass offered in 1863 on the feast of Our Lady Help of Christians at Holy Hill, was just a few months before the Battle of Gettysburg.

On Memorial Day, a Mass for the souls of our men and women of our armed services was offered in the Church of St. Vincent Pallotti, across from Calvary Cemetery. A number of men and women were in traditional Civil War garb to commemorate Memorial Day. This established, post-Civil War tradition recognizes the ultimate sacrifices made by those who have served in the various wars and armed conflicts protecting our nation.

I preached on three aspects of a soldier’s life: obedience, generosity and gratitude, and how that should mirror our lives as believers. After Mass, the playing of the national anthem and a reading of the Gettysburg Address by a person dressed as President Abraham Lincoln were followed by the keynote address. Dean Collins then directed the congregation across the street into the cemetery for the firing of the cannon, the rifle volleys and the playing of taps. We remembered and prayed for people who gave their lives so that we might enjoy the freedoms that we have, “No greater love…” They followed Jesus, who gave His life for us out of love and asks us to LOVE ONE ANOTHER.

Note: This blog originally appeared as the May 29, 2013 "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.