Most Reverend Jerome E. Listecki
Archbishop of Milwaukee
 

This last weekend, I participated in the annual meeting of the Knights and Dames of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem. Members from all over the Midwest gathered at the Drake Hotel in Chicago to pray and witness to the admission of men and women to the Order. On Sunday, Cardinal Blase Cupich of Chicago (Lieutenancy Prior) presided over the ceremony in Holy Name Cathedral.

It was wonderful being back, and the memories just flooded over me about the day of my ordination to the episcopacy in Holy Name Cathedral by Cardinal Francis George. I had the privilege of presiding over the promotions and awards ceremony on Saturday at St. John Cantius, a beautiful parish just west of the city.

This gathering of the Equestrian Order was really an opportunity to engage other members whose mission it is to support the sites and shrines of the Holy Land. These sites are a reminder to us all of Jesus’ life, suffering, death, resurrection, and ascension. His life is our life. He is the hope for the world, understanding that God loves us. There are talks given by various authorities which challenge the members to understand the teachings of the Church and live the faith they profess.

The outgoing past lieutenant (the leader of the Order), His Excellency Sir Max Douglas Brown, KGCHS, gave a final farewell presentation. He was interviewed by the Chancellor, Sir Matthew Emmet Bunson, KCHS. At one point in the interview, he was asked about his conversion to Catholicism. Those who know Max would characterize him as cerebral, direct, and dispassionate; very much the lawyer. But when asked the question of his conversion, the emotions seemed to well up within him, and he choked up, reflecting on God’s grace which called him to this Church which he loved.

He mentioned Thomas Merton’s “The Seven Story Mountain,” and St. Teresa of Lisieux, the Little Flower (“Our Father does not inspire us to do what cannot be done.”), whose feast day we will celebrate on October 1. He related how these people, along with his wife and others he’s known, have touched his soul. He became a member of what he referred to as a “living Church,” responding to their examples. To say it was touching would be an understatement. Many told me that this moment was worth the entire weekend.

I thought to myself how many of us have stories to share about our conversions, telling of the impact that others of faith have made in our lives and especially the effects of those saints whose actions and words continue to serve and witness to Christ and His Church.

Evangelization should be a priority for all of us. Bringing others to Jesus and His Church is a responsibility we all share. Who is your patron? Who is that special saint you turn to in times of need? If you do not know, then it’s time to seek the saint that sheds light on your work, preserves and protects your relationship, or assists in achieving your aspirations, and invite that saint to intercede for you. Then tell your story of God’s presence in your life, to encourage others to LOVE ONE ANOTHER.   
 

Note: This blog originally appeared as the September 27, 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.