Most Reverend Jerome E. Listecki
Archbishop of Milwaukee
 

I received my copy of Our Wisconsin magazine this past week, and it reminded me of why my favorite season is autumn. If you don’t subscribe to this magazine, you should (ShopOurWisconsin.com). It is a dose of eye candy, because words could never describe the spectacular vistas. The colors are incredible. The magazine points out scenes that are ours for the taking. 

I was born and raised on the south side of Chicago in a highly industrial area, so a blade of grass protruding from a crack in the cement walk was a celebration of nature. The pictorial essays in the magazine make you proud to be living in the state of Wisconsin. I will often show these pictures to my friends, the flatlanders of Illinois. If you’ve ever spent time in Europe, you know why the Germans settled in Wisconsin.

There is a family feel to the magazine. The stories introduce you to the shared memories of the past, suggest places to visit, and highlight individuals who might just be your next-door neighbors, but have exceptional life experiences. There are contests and a solicitation for human interest stories, which net the author a delicious pecan pie and his or her name in a byline. This latest issue has a fold-out that depicts Mother Nature in all her splendor. You won’t be embarrassed to tack this fold-out onto your wall. 

The exceptionally beautiful weather has provided a prolonged autumn season. We all know that the chill of late autumn and the winter freeze is just around the corner, but for now let’s give thanks for the blessings of our environment and enjoy the moments afforded to us. Realize that the masterpieces of the great artists only attempt to mimic the Creator’s magnificence.

So, we give thanks to God for providing us with such wonders, allowing us to praise and contemplate His mysteries in the world in which we live. And, thanks to Our Wisconsin magazine for reminding me and others of why fall is our favorite season.

Remember, whether it’s winter, spring, summer or fall, it’s always the season to LOVE ONE ANOTHER.

Note: This blog originally appeared as the October 10, 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.