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Archbishop Listecki


Most Reverend Jerome E. Listecki
Archbishop of Milwaukee
 

 

In the summer of 1981, I was studying in Paris. Therefore, I participated in the Bastille Day Parade on July 14. It took place on the famed Champs-Élysées. It was, of course, spectacular – a celebration of French unity as only the French can. The majority of the parade presentation was the military filing by the cheering crowds. There were colorful troops and National Guard in beautiful uniforms either marching, on horseback, or being transported by motorized personnel carriers.    
 
I couldn’t help but make a comparison in my mind to the Fourth of July celebration in my own homeland, the United States of America. The same type of celebration emphasizes high school bands, pets, veterans, church groups and floats. For Americans, the Fourth of July is a celebration of the freedoms that we have secured to live our lives free from the oppressive coercion that would deny our dignity as human beings. In its simplicity, it means barbeques, fireworks (if it’s legal) and games. However, I believe that in the celebration of our independence day, the strength of our nation is found in faith, family and friendship.
 
In his book “The Greatest Generation,” Tom Brokaw offers a series of vignettes of individuals who participated in World War II. It appeared to me that the formula for the greatest generation was very clear: God, Family and Country. These men and women knew the sacrifices that they might be called to make, but were willing to pay the price to protect and preserve the freedoms that they and their loved ones enjoyed. It wasn’t the celebration of military power, but rather the character of our nation discovered in the bond of those united in the pursuit of freedom.
 
In the last number of years, my attention has been directed to Fortnight for Freedom. The struggle to maintain our cherished freedom of religion has been under attack in the past few decades. The attempt of government to characterize religion as only one hour in the four walls of the church, synagogue or mosque is especially disturbing, since religion demands that its followers present their teachings in the marketplace of ideas.
 
The Constitution states: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” It has been increasingly obvious to me that our government has been systematically establishing the religion of “secularism” as a lens through which all religion is measured. In doing so, our ability to practice our faith without the intrusion of the government has become more and more difficult (i.e. The Affordable Care Act and the Little Sisters of the Poor, Catholic Charities and care for migrants, as well as adoption mandates, etc.).
 
There is a saying: “Freedom is not free.” Therefore, we must assume our responsibility for the problems that we face at this time in our history. This means rejecting those who would deny our freedoms under the false guise of serving the greater political good. There is no greater good than serving God. That is what religion does – directs us in serving God.
 
On July 4, 2016 at 8 a.m. at Christ King Parish, 2604 N. Swan Blvd., Wauwatosa, I will exercise our freedom of religion in the celebration of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. I believe that the practice of our faith is the greatest way we can protect our freedom and preserve our right. We are responsible not merely to our government, but ultimately to God, from whom our rights and dignity comes.
 
Please join me in prayers for our Church, our families and our country. Because of our prayers, we will be a stronger society as we learn to LOVE ONE ANOTHER.
 

Note: This blog originally appeared as the June 28, 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.

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