Most Reverend Jerome E. Listecki Archbishop of Milwaukee
My thanks to all who offered prayers and good wishes for my speedy recovery from knee surgery. It is always wonderful to be held up in prayer. I have no doubt about the efficaciousness of prayer. One thing about knee surgery, it reminded me of the difficulty that many of our faithful, who are physically challenged, experience. We often take for granted the simple tasks that we accomplish, with little or no effort, which now become burdensome without the assistance of family members or caregivers. I was blessed to have a great surgeon (Dr. Berger from Rush Orthopedics), a caring staff including Gwen Fastabend, Joann Merriner and Jerry Topcszewski, a collaborative and supportive Master of Ceremonies (Very Rev. James Lobacz) after-care physical therapist (Susan Stank) and a supreme weapon for healing: my sister, who truly is my “lucky Penny.” It is difficult for some, especially me, to surrender and lean on others in order to get things accomplished. When looking forward to fulfilling my schedule, I usually feel independent and capable of realizing my responsibilities on my own. Of course, this thought is delusional; we need each other in order to accomplish even the smallest tasks. Perhaps, it is ordered by God in this manner to emphasize that we are social beings celebrating our solidarity. Because of assistance, I was able to keep most of my commitments, despite having the operation on Tuesday afternoon at Chicago Rush. Thursday, I attended the Priests Council meeting; Friday, I administered the sacrament of Confirmation at St. Joseph in Racine; Saturday, I celebrated the installation of Very Rev. James Schuerman at St. Francis de Sales in Lake Geneva; and Sunday the installation of Dr. Sandi Schmitt at Holy Cross in Bristol. If I tried to do it on my own, nothing would have been accomplished. But, with help from my friends, we were able to fulfill most of my commitments. It is very true that, in life, great things are achieved though the collaboration of people assisting one another for the greater good. We should also be aware, that there are those among us, who are physically challenged and who could use some assistance. Are our parishes and halls handicapped accessible? Do we reach out to those who are homebound in order to demonstrate our oneness as a Church? My surgery and healing have provided me insight to the plight of my brothers and sisters who struggle physically, as well as an opportunity to acknowledge those who assist so many to be able to participate in the activities of our community, all with the understanding that we are one family called to LOVE ONE ANOTHER.
Note: This blog originally appeared as the February 10, 2015 "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.
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