Most Reverend Jerome E. Listecki
Archbishop of Milwaukee
 

This last Sunday represented as “passing of the guard” as I installed the 20th rector of Saint Francis de Sales Seminary. Fr. Luke Strand became the new rector, replacing Fr. John Hemsing. In the 10 years of Fr. Hemsing’s tenure, the seminary grew in numbers to the extent that every room in the main building of the seminary was occupied, which necessitated the reconfiguration of Meyer Hall, the building across from the main structure. Saint Francis de Sales Seminary became a Provincial Seminary, meaning every diocese in Wisconsin is represented.

The seminary spirit was reestablished through the hard work of then-Fr. Don Hying, now Bishop Hying of the Diocese of Madison. In his years as rector, Bishop Hying worked mightily on the formation and vision of men entering the seminary. He visited every bishop in Wisconsin, offering his vision and plan for Saint Francis De Sales Seminary. When he was appointed the new Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, the challenge was to find someone who could be just as attentive to the potential growth. Fr. Hemsing was the right man for the right time.

His love for the buildings and grounds, his attention to the historic importance of the seminary, and his collaboration with the vocation directors established a vision for the promotion and expansion of the seminary. It truly was a new day for the Archdiocesan Seminary. Fr. Hemsing now bequeaths an exciting community of administration, faculty and seminarians desiring to serve the people of God and in love with the Church.

Fr. Strand is no stranger to the promotion of vocations in the archdiocese and has served as vice-rector for several years. He has worked tirelessly to challenge men to consider priesthood as a response to God’s call. He has been single-minded in his love for the Church, and the importance of prayer in building a personal environment open to God’s voice. Among the many tributes expressed about the new rector, the highest was describing him as a “man of prayer.”

This last Sunday’s Gospel proclaimed the importance of the virtue of humility. Pride is the great sin and humility is the antidote to pride. The virtue of humility is the source of all other virtues because it is through this virtue that we understand that all comes from God, and we build our personhood by offering ourselves as His instrument in the world. “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart…” (Matthew 11:29)

The way of the Lord is obedience to the Father, whose love is unconditional. Prayer establishes our relationship, keeping our vision always focused on God. A mark of a spiritual community is a sense of joy that one receives from an encounter with its members. There is a wonderful statement about “JOY”: Jesus first, Others second, and Yourself last – Humility reaps JOY.  

It is a wonderful moment for Saint Francis de Sales Seminary. I am grateful to God for the blessing, in the fact that He has permitted me to be a witness to this exceptional transformation, and now, under Fr. Strand’s leadership, I know that the sacrifices and efforts made by so many in the past will be utilized to create an environment that will form men in the likeness of Christ, whose humility embraces the cross and invites others to follow in His footsteps, in a life giving service to our brothers and sisters. Fr. Strand will preach and teach Jesus’ love for us and our responsibility to LOVE ONE ANOTHER.         
 

Note: This blog originally appeared as the August 30, 2022 "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.