Most Reverend Jerome E. Listecki
Archbishop of Milwaukee
 

When I was a boy, the real adventure took place when my mother or aunt would declare, “we’re going downtown.” It was the home of the cathedral, the seat of the archdiocese, the place where business, politics and the arts took place. This was the city. Although we lived in a neighborhood which made up only a small section of the total area, the city was the heart of what identified us as citizens and downtown was the most recognizable part. I believe there is and continues to be a love for the city. Even for those who live in the suburbs or our rural areas – which have their own particular mystiques, the city occupies a prominent place in our minds. We would not be the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, had it not been for the creation of a population center, which captured the imagination of those who chose the location of the metropolitan see.

Traditionally, the city has attracted many immigrants. The neighborhoods were made up of Germans, Poles, Italians, Irish and others – many of them Catholic. They built churches and established their communities. As social and economic mobility occurred, many of these city residents moved to the suburbs and outlying areas. Today, the city still attracts a diverse population but economic difficulties have led to neighborhood decline with violence and social instability. The city and all of society are hurting in many ways and because of this, so are our brothers and sisters.

A wonderful principle in the Social Teachings of the Church is the principle of “solidarity.” First articulated by Pope Pius XII, it calls to mind the law of charity and the recognition that we have a common origin founded in the rational nature of all men. This law is sealed in the sacrifice of Christ on the cross, who died on behalf of sinful humanity. Our spiritual connectedness takes us beyond the material in spreading the Gospel as a mission of all believers.

Last Thursday night, more than 600 people gathered at St. Francis of Assisi Parish for Mass, calling upon the Lord to assist us in our struggles to promote peace and justice in our urban area. The congregation was composed of men and women who represented every section of our archdiocese, from our city parishes, our suburbs and even as far away as Madison. We were there as believers, placing our trust in God to shine a light on the needs of our brothers and sisters who are struggling in our urban communities.

Everything begins with prayer, for we are helpless without God and all things are possible only with Him. Father Michael Bertram, OFM Capuchin, pastor of St. Francis of Assisi, welcomed all the guests as they were treated to a spirited liturgy filled with the music of a gospel choir. The choir was composed of the local church and others from the surrounding areas. A number of priests and deacons were also present to lend their spiritual support. Mayor Tom Barrett represented the elected officials. Father Javier Bustos, vicar for Hispanic Ministry, and Father Tim Kitzke, the new vicar general for Urban Initiatives, represented those concerned with making a difference in collaborative efforts and offering hope to residents.

The Mass ended with a procession to the statue of Dr. Martin Luther King, whose concern for the poor and neglected continues to be a model for all of our citizens. We ended with a prayer for peace and a blessing of our city. As I looked at all who attended the Mass and journeyed in the procession, I realized that love for our city and the men and women who make up our neighborhoods are still very strong. I trust in God that our faith has and will make a difference because we follow Jesus’ call to LOVE ONE ANOTHER.

Note: This blog originally appeared as the August 18, 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.