Most Reverend Jerome E. Listecki
Archbishop of Milwaukee
 

The feeling at the Papal Visit in Philadelphia was that you were a part of the most gigantic parish picnic imaginable. My military training came in very handy, as cardinals and bishops were herded around with a “hurry up and wait mentality.” We would go through security checks which were as comprehensive as TSA Airport security stations and we would go through them for every event we attended. We arrived at events 2 ½ to three hours before the Pope’s entrance, which may seem excessive, but after all, this was the most security-conscious event in the history of the United States. When Pope Francis ascended the stairs of the airplane on Sunday night to return to Rome, thousands of sighs of relief and quite a few prayers of thanksgiving were offered that nothing marred his visit.

On Monday one person remarked that, during the Pope’s visit, not one major crime was reported. I responded that, with a police officer or security guard every three feet, major crime was not an option.

The popularity of Pope Francis was evident everywhere I traveled. The Pope’s talks presented the Gospel message by pointing out the truth of the essential aspects of living as a family and calling for dialogue among the members of the human family. His constant reminders were of our need to be responsive to the poor among us. Remembering Mary, Joseph and the child Jesus, who had to flee oppression, was a direct challenge to the society about the necessity to welcome the stranger among us.

In Washington, D.C., Pope Francis addressed the bishops as a brother bishop, telling us how he understood the difficult task of shepherding the Church at this time in our history. But, he also challenged us bishops to shape our ministry in and through the person of Jesus.

At St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Philadelphia, Pope Francis began by addressing the clergy sexual abuse crisis with a pledge that accountability for all actions would be his priority. Then, he turned his attention to “family” and the problems that families face, especially in the area of a “consumer mentality.” Lost are the neighborhood connections, the sacrifices and the traditions that shape our identity.

The highlight of the trip happened in the evening for the families at Franklin Parkway. It was there Pope Francis went off script and we were treated to the pastor who loves the family and deeply understands its struggles, but offers faith and the practice of the faith as a means for binding the relationships that heal and strengthen the bonds of love.

How popular is this Pope Francis? Well one woman told me that she and her daughter traveled 13 hours to get a seven-second glimpse of Pope Francis. She quickly said that she would do it again.

Cardinal Wuerl (Washington), Cardinal Dolan (New York) and Archbishop Chaput (Philadelphia) and their archdioceses did a phenomenal job in representing the Catholic faith. The World Meeting of Families was the reason that Pope Francis came to the United States. Families from all over the world heard talks and presentations on the family. Philly and Archbishop Chaput created an environment that made everyone feel like family. Thousands upon thousands of volunteers offered assistance at every turn, greeting participants with warm smiles and thanks for coming to their city. It was only fitting that the family should celebrate its Sunday liturgy with our Holy Father and pray with him for the family and the Church.

As I watched Pope Francis limp off the altar at the end of the Sunday liturgy, I was tired just reviewing in my mind his schedule over the week. I knew he must be dragging. I felt admiration for a nearly 79-year-old man who spent his time bringing energy to the Catholics of the United States and inspiring families. Now after the cheers fade, the pictures framed, the bobble-head dolls put on the shelves and the return trips home, I hope, as Catholics that we will embrace the message with renewed enthusiasm to LOVE ONE ANOTHER.

Note: This blog originally appeared as the September 29, 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.