Most Reverend Jerome E. Listecki
Archbishop of Milwaukee
 

Last Saturday, I took a walk at Mount Mary University with more than 9,000 friends. God provided an absolutely beautiful day. It was the second annual “Soles for Catholic Education” Walk. This year’s walk drew over 2,000 more participants than last year. I had the privilege of announcing the beginning of the walk from the stage, which was strategically placed at one end of the mall area. It was truly a sight to view this sea of people, all upbeat and psyched to witness to Catholic education. The spirit was high and one couldn’t help but be proud of all of the students, parents, teachers, staff, alumni, priests, religious and parishioners.

Shortly after I started my walk, local reporters asked for an interview. “Archbishop, why do you think so many people are here?” I responded that for over 170+ years, the Catholic Church has provided quality education for so many. Early in our history, the religious sisters sacrificed in order to build our schools and educate our children. There were many here to pay tribute to that dedicated service. There were many like myself who were products of Catholic education, now realizing when we are older the cost of that education. Many of us to this day rely on the lessons learned in class and the virtue of excellence instilled in our formation.

There were the students, teachers, staff, parents and priests who make up our schools. They continue the sacrifice made by so many in the past. They were proud to carry the banner of their schools and represent the success of our faith-filled system. There were those who walked simply because they understand the importance of Catholic education in today’s community. Just imagine what we would look like as a society without Catholic schools. I believe the word to use would be “impoverished.”

One of the great tools of evangelization continues to be our schools. In our classes, we pray and acknowledge that God occupies a primary position in our lives. We are not complete without God and with God everything is possible. Our own dignity and the dignity of our brothers and sisters are rooted in the fact that we are made in the image and likeness of God. This is celebrated in Catholic education. So, we have a responsibility to assist our brothers and sisters in need by seeing the face of God in them and calling for our help.

Last Saturday, I viewed the face of God in the more than 9,000 people walking for Catholic education. It was obvious to me that they love God and LOVE ONE ANOTHER.

Note: This blog originally appeared as the October 28, 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.