Most Reverend Jerome E. Listecki
Archbishop of Milwaukee
 

I apologize for the tardiness of this LOA, but I was preoccupied with the installation of Bishop Donald J. Hying, our former auxiliary bishop of Milwaukee and ordinary of the Diocese of Gary, Indiana. Pope Francis recently appointed him as the fifth bishop of Madison, Wisconsin. I am the Metropolitan of the province of Wisconsin, which means I begin the installation liturgy, escort the new bishop to his cathedra (chair) and hand him the crosier (staff), which is the symbol of his authority as shepherd of the diocese.
 
The diocese, clergy and people of Madison are excited about the selection of their new shepherd, as well they should be. Bishop Hying is a proven bishop whose pastoral skills and commitment to the Church are well-known. When a diocese transfers leadership, it is like a new beginning. Former Robert C. Morlino of Madison, who died suddenly, worked tirelessly to form a strong clergy and staff dedicated to the Church, unafraid of the witness to the Church. Bishop Hying inherits competent and skilled individuals who are willing to work with him to take the diocese forward, meeting the challenges and encouraging the faithful to grow in holiness. One can receive an insight into the direction of Bishop Hying’s leadership style in the motto that he chose when becoming a bishop, “Caritas Numquam Excidit” (love never fails). There was a touching moment when he revealed a tender moment of his father and him at the bedside of his dying mother when she asked them, “Did I love you enough?” Of course she did, but that’s the question Bishop Hying was posing to us in the congregation – “Do we love Jesus enough?”
 
I know that the ordinaries (the bishops in charge of various dioceses) were probably reminiscing about their own installations, as well as the daunting prospects that faced them in their new positions. Somehow, there is a strength that comes from the Holy Spirit, trusting that God will be there to assist in meeting the needs of the people entrusted to their care.
 
At one point, Bishop Hying mentioned that I ordained him a bishop and that I, myself, was ordained by Cardinal Francis George. He made reference to the apostolic succession that goes back to the very calling of the Apostles, uniting all bishops to the continual line established by the Tradition of the Church. Although, as bishops, we are celibate and will not have children of our own, I do believe there is a special relationship to those who a bishop is privileged to ordain: deacons, priests and bishops. I am very proud of my relationship to Bishop Hying, and I am confident that he will serve the clergy and the people of the diocese of Madison with all the intelligence, talent and leadership that God has bestowed on him.
 
Since Bishop Hying knows that love never fails, there is no doubt that he will promote in the Diocese of Madison, the State of Wisconsin and the entire Church that we should LOVE ONE ANOTHER.
 

Note: This blog originally appeared as the June 26, 2019 "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.