Most Reverend Jerome E. Listecki
Archbishop of Milwaukee
 

For over 17 years, I shared the responsibility of teaching moral theology at the major seminary, St. Mary of the Lake, Mundelein, Ill., along with Father Patrick Boyle, S.J. Fr. Pat was always insightful and had a deep spiritual persona, but he was also wickedly funny. Sister Agnes Cunningham, SSCM, a renowned Patristic scholar (theologians that concentrate on the early Church Fathers), was also a member of the faculty. She was among the most respected religious women in the country. Devoted to her community, she is a model for those living the evangelical counsels (poverty, chastity and obedience). I was privileged to have had Sr. Agnes as a teacher, and then later joining her on the faculty.

One of the most enjoyable parts of the day was the early morning breakfasts with other faculty members. You debated, learned and sharpened your arguments with professors committed to their field of studies.

One morning, Sr. Agnes offered a particularly insightful understanding of a spiritual question. When she left, we all marveled at her spiritual insight. Fr. Pat said, “You know, we can never travel as a group with Sr. Agnes because if we all died in a simultaneous crash and they canonize her, we will all be referred to as her ‘companions.’” We all laughed; St. Agnes Cunningham and companions seemed to swallow up the individual recognition that some crave. Of course, I would be willing to get through those pearly gates on anyone’s coattails. I am counting on you, my friends, to get me there.

I mentioned that insight because our celebration of Presidents’ Day swallows up the individual contribution of two great men whose leadership shaped our country like no others. The position of the presidency is indeed a “terrible” responsibility. The presidents must make decisions that affect a nation and secure the continuity of freedoms established in law.

George Washington, the Father of our country, gave us a vision which transcended the petty politics of the day. We are Americans of a proud nation, offering the world a new vision in government. He refused the self-interest that normally accompanies a position of power because it was more important to be a contributing citizen to this new nation and its future. We would not be the America we are today, had it not been for George Washington.

Abraham Lincoln also faced extreme pressures. He was not a politician, but he certainly knew the craft. He held the country together through forces that wanted to tear and separate this fragile nation. Whatever justification for slavery that was offered at that time, Lincoln knew that it could never be tolerated in a nation that valued freedom. He gave his life as a testimony to this understanding.

As a boy, the celebration of these two presidents’ birthdays was met with a holiday from school. I don’t think we engaged in any special studies; perhaps we decorated the bulletin boards or put on a play, but we were glad that they were born. As believers in God’s providence, Sister emphasized that these men were entrusted to us by God, who we believe is always watching over our nation.

I don’t in any way disparage the contribution of others who have occupied the office of president, but George and Abe deserve singular recognition. I will not suggest that we celebrate “George, Abe and companions,” but it is true that we are a nation that rides on their coat tails.

Let us promote respect for our country by following our Lord’s direction to LOVE ONE ANOTHER.

Note: This blog originally appeared as the February 22, 2017 "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.