Most Reverend Jerome E. Listecki
Archbishop of Milwaukee
 

In the classic work “Pygmalion” by George Bernard Shaw, Eliza Doolittle is the object of an experiment to determine whether education could turn a street urchin into a proper lady. Under the tutelage of Dr. Henry Higgins, Eliza is transformed into a sophisticated woman of the upper class.
 
Years later in the comedy “Trading Places,” Eddie Murphy and Dan Aykroyd are used as a human experiment by two wealthy brothers who argue whether it’s the breeding (DNA) or the environment which makes the successful man. Taken from the ghetto, Eddie Murphy becomes the successful businessman and, expelled to the ghetto, Dan Aykroyd slips into personal depravity. Is it environment or genetics? Most individuals would argue that it isn’t either/or, but rather both/and.
 
Next week is Catholic Schools Week. In our Catholic schools, we maximize the God-given (DNA) in an environment that offers opportunities for students to succeed. Our teachers do not treat the children entrusted to them as experiments, but instead with a dignity bestowed upon every person by a loving God.
 
This is a wonderful time for Catholic education in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. Enrollment is increasing, we have ready access to artistic and athletic development, enthusiasm of the teachers and administrators is high and creative programs are being initiated for the security of Catholic education into the next decade. We are blessed to have a number of priests who value Catholic education and dedicate their time and efforts to build a community through their presence and promotion.
 
Next week, I will be celebrating Catholic education by offering Mass at a number of our schools. I wish that I could be present for all of our nearly 32,000 students, but that would be impossible.  However, I am with them in prayer, as I offer my Masses for their success.
 
I am aware of the impact that Catholic education has in the lives of our faithful. The schools themselves vary – some are rural, some suburban and some urban, with classes both large and small. Many alumni share stories of how their Catholic education empowered them to take leadership roles and developed their talents as contributing members of society. They tell of the teachers, who by example, inspired them to reach for personal greatness. And many express a deep affection for their years as students in primary and secondary schools.
 
Catholic schools create an environment for growth that has helped in shaping students who care about the unborn, the poor, the earth and the practice of religion. In a real sense, Catholic schools educate the total person by assessing their intellectual I.Q., as well as their spiritual I.Q. They are a valued treasure to our society. However, they need our help. I encourage you to know and visit your local Catholic schools. Speak to the teachers. Support and promote their programs.
 
I am proud of my own Catholic education and also very proud of the accomplishments of Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. I’m especially grateful to Superintendent Kathleen Cepelka Ph.D., her associates, and the many administrators, teachers and staff of our primary and secondary schools. Additionally, I would also like to highlight the work of pastors, priests, religious and deacons of our parishes, and of course, the parents who invest in sending their children to Catholic schools.
 
One thing that will always be a part of our curriculum is Jesus’ command to LOVE ONE ANOTHER.
 

Note: This blog originally appeared as the January 26, 2016 "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.