Most Reverend Jerome E. Listecki
Archbishop of Milwaukee
 

Have you ever heard “life” referred to as fragile? That phrase is recognition that at any given moment, God may call us from this world. When death is a result of illness or age, while it’s never easy to accept, it’s a bit more understandable. But when someone who is healthy is snatched from our existence, it’s more difficult to comprehend.

Father Victor Capriolo, team moderator at Holy Family Parish in Fond du Lac, was killed in a biking accident last Wednesday evening. He was an avid cyclist who enjoyed good health.

I was informed of Father Vic’s death on Wednesday night by our Vicar for Clergy, Father Pat Heppe. Father Heppe had lived and worked with Father Capriolo at Holy Family and together they formed part of the new team that assumed responsibility for the ministry to the newly formed Holy Family parish. Needless to say, Father Heppe was in shock at the sudden loss of his friend and colleague.

I was on retreat and informed both Bishops Hying and Sklba. You feel helpless in the face of such a tragedy. That night the other bishops and I turned to the only person who might give us consolation, which is our Lord. We immediately went to the chapel and prayed for the soul of Father Vic.

We live in a time where priests are scarce. The Archdiocese of Milwaukee lost a dedicated priest and faithful pastor last week. I know that there probably were many times when as pastor and priest Father Vic had to console individuals on the sudden loss of a loved one.  In no way does one even try to fathom the wisdom of God during times of tragedy.

However, as people of faith we always rely on our trust in God whose love knows no bounds and whose mercy extends to those we love. It is here at the foot of the cross, in the senseless crucifixion of our Lord Jesus Christ, that our personal suffering and loss is joined to His. And it is through His cross and death that we are led to the empty tomb and promise of the resurrection. God does not abandon His people and God will not abandon us.

Together we go to God not demanding answers but proclaiming our trust in His love and mercy for us and for His priest Father Victor Capriolo. We also pray that whatever time we are afforded on this earth might be spent, to the best of our ability, living His commandment to LOVE ONE ANOTHER.  

Note: This blog originally appeared as the August 28, 2012 "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.