Most Reverend Jerome E. Listecki
Archbishop of Milwaukee
 

Last Sunday afternoon, I returned to the “upper room” by celebrating the one-year anniversary of our Archdiocesan Synod. This is where the priorities for the Archdiocese of Milwaukee were envisioned for the next 10 to 15 years. Beside the great memories from this event, held on Pentecost weekend last year, which was so significant for us as a local Church, the “upper room” this past Sunday was filled with committed believers who returned to celebrate, pray and learn about the Church moving forward.

Inspiring music stirred the soul and focused our attention on the MISSION of the archdiocese. I had the privilege of addressing the attendees. I wanted all to know of my admiration for what was accomplished by the work of our faithful. I informed the audience that, while we might be in bankruptcy, we were not spiritually bankrupt. The Synod and the work of implementation is a true mark of how rich the faith is in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee.

Those in the auditorium were treated to a video called “Mass - The Heart of the Matter,” which told the story of two local individuals one who discovered and one who rediscovered the Catholic faith. Without a doubt, the whole four hours of Sunday’s event was worth the effort for this video alone. Margie Mandli, the director of the video, “hit it out of the park.” I encourage everyone in the archdiocese and anyone who reads this “Love One Another,” to view this outstanding presentation and be reminded of what a gift the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is.

The mark of a great video is that you want to talk about it, reflect and meditate on the film. It was obvious that everyone wanted to comment on the testimony of the two persons depicted in the video. Believe me, if you aren’t moved after watching, then you have a “hole” in your soul.

After the presentations and videos, we made our way to the Mater Christi Chapel, singing and dancing, prior to our celebration of the Sunday liturgy. One could feel the “spirit” moving us to accept the mission as intentional disciples proclaiming Christ through the sacramental life of the Church. Many priests and deacons joined us for the liturgy, entrusting themselves to the power of prayer for the good of our Church.

In my homily, I reminded the congregation of the three words we invoked last Pentecost, “Ignite, Renew and Energize.” These words, in retrospect, seem to echo messages from our recent popes.

St. John XXIII “ignited” the Church with the Second Vatican Council – effects that are still being experienced today.

St. John Paul II “renewed” the Church and pastored the world. It was through his influence that many discovered their vocations and, through his writings, that personal human dignity and Catholic social doctrine was developed. I reminded the congregation that Bishop Donald Hying once told me that he owes his vocation to St. John Paul II.

Pope Francis has “energized” the Church. This tremendously popular pope has given new hope to a world that seemingly has forgotten its obligation to the poor and our obligation to live as missionaries proclaiming the Gospel to our communities.

Each one of us must ignite, renew and energize the faith that calls us to proclaim Jesus and the Gospel. We must ignite, renew and energize our families and parishes making Jesus the center of our attention. We must ignite, renew and energize our businesses, schools and communities, unabashedly introducing our neighbors and associates to Jesus and His Church.

Why do we do this? Simply, because we LOVE ONE ANOTHER.

Note: This blog originally appeared as the June 16, 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.