Most Reverend Jerome E. Listecki
Archbishop of Milwaukee
 

I am a Norman Rockwell fan. I won’t get into the debate as to whether or not he was an artist or an illustrator. If art elevates the senses and produces an insight into the world, then for me, Norman Rockwell is a true artist.
 
The subject matter of his art was simply “Americana,” the experiences of people living the joys and challenges of being American. He seemed to celebrate in his works the best in us. Many were works reflecting small town or rural life, perhaps because the artist could more readily capture the innocence of an experience which resonated in the hearts of the viewer.
 
He seemed to tell a story with each illustration he produced. In one picture, a boy of about seven or eight is depicted opening the lower drawer in his parents’ bedroom, discovering a Santa Claus suit. His face says it all: the shock of discovering the Santa deception. Remember the first time it occurred to you that Santa was not coming down that chimney? Like Clark Kent and Superman, Dad was never present when Santa arrived.
 
A cafeteria, a doctor’s office, young love, farm life, state fairs and train stations were all choice meats for human consumption devoured by the viewer, reminding all of us of the importance of those everyday experiences that many times we take for granted.
 
Critics have stated that Rockwell was a romantic idealist and avoided the ugliness of American life. Rockwell’s own life was not the “Father Knows Best” show, but rather, one filled with family difficulties and personal challenges. However, that did not stop him from sharing the beauty of the human spirit. And when the larger issues of life descended upon the American scene, Rockwell was not afraid to tackle them, mighty colored pens in hand.
 
He commented on war and its effect on home life and relationships. During the spirit of an election year campaign, he showed the frustration of a loss or, as in one picture of John Fitzgerald Kennedy at the convention where he was nominated, he captured Kennedy’s gaze and entitled the work “A Time for Greatness.” Another picture showed an innocent little African American girl with a ruler and book in hand being escorted to school, flanked by United States Marshalls. Entitled “The Problem We All Live With,” that picture alone was more of a critique on our society than many of the statements offered by orators or the written words of journalists.
 
His integration of “faith” in various illustrations is worthy of a parable. In an age when our society has ushered God into the vestibule, Rockwell’s depiction of worship gives a primary position to religious freedom and practice. His illustration of a grandmother praying grace with her grandson to the wonderment of the restaurant patrons surrounding them remains an all-time favorite.
 
There are a number of books that one could purchase on Norman Rockwell’s illustrations. However, all you need to do is travel to Greendale, Wis., and check out the Visitors Center to discover a number of Norman Rockwell prints. The southeast corner of Broad Street and Northway in the Greendale Village Center will capture your attention, because a great statue depicting Norman Rockwell’s “Triple Self-Portrait” is there in full view, thanks to Roy and Bobbi Reiman.  
 
I discovered early in my coming to the archdiocese that my friend Roy Reiman had an affection for Norman Rockwell (and the race horse, Secretariat, also a favorite of mine, but that’s another LOA). Roy’s “Our Wisconsin” magazine has a type of Rockwellian approach – an eye for the beauty of our state (the pictures are magnificent) and stories of our neighbors, celebrating who we are as a people.
 
We need to remind ourselves of what constitutes the best of our American experience. It begins in our willingness to sacrifice for our freedoms, recognizing the mystery in the everyday experiences of our lives and proudly practicing our faith in Christ who tells us to LOVE ONE ANOTHER.
 

Note: This blog originally appeared as the September 13, 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.