Most Reverend Jerome E. Listecki
Archbishop of Milwaukee
 

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

During my recent retreat, I had the opportunity to view a biography of Mother Theresa of Calcutta, produced by the Knights of Columbus. It was remarkable to think of the impact this simple woman of faith had on the modern world. With little or nothing, she drew the attention of the world and influenced the most powerful of leaders. She saw Christ in all who were in need, especially the “poorest of the poor.” 

Greatness cannot be predicted or established through a blueprint. The world would have quickly rejected this religious sister, but for the fact that the Holy Spirit was working through her. The mere presence of this humble woman of faith generated an energy of “holiness” wherever she made an appearance. 

I was amazed at how this sister managed the likes of the worldwide press. In one sense, she was a darling of the media, ministering to the marginalized poor in foreign lands. As long as she promoted the issues that modern civilization (if you can call it civilized or modern) embraced, like the poor, then her voice was magnified. However, it was quickly silenced when she attempted to draw attention to the most vulnerable among us: the child in the womb. 

Our societal leaders cannot claim that they have a respect for human dignity when they advocate abortion on demand — even up to the moment of birth. Mother Theresa became a voice for the silent suffering and the eyes for the world to see the needs of the poor. Perhaps because she was one of us, that made her so influential. She presented no claim to academic achievements, nor did she present innovative or creative approaches. Instead, she just called us to love as God loves us. 

Love demands that we love even when it is most difficult. When there seems to be no support for our activities, when it seems that we are alone or isolated. Mother Theresa experienced all these human emotions and yet, like Jesus on the cross, sacrificed for the love of the Father’s children.

One depiction during the video, which was startling, was the meeting with Pope John Paul II. Here, two future saints met. I can only imagine the energy in that room. As I look back at the years given to my life, I give thanks that there were two examples of God’s love to inspire and challenge me. St. John Paul II, whose love for the Church brought about a new renaissance for Christianity throughout the world, and Mother Theresa, whose unconditional love for the poor reclaimed the beatitudes for the modern world. 

It's interesting to note that, when we close our eyes and God calls us home, our lives on earth may be celebrated for a brief period of time by those who love us and cherish our memories. But for the saints, their earthly death is just the beginning of the influence they exert on others who follow their lead to LOVE ONE ANOTHER.

Note: This blog originally appeared as the Sept. 5, 2023, "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.