Most Reverend Jerome E. Listecki
Archbishop of Milwaukee
 

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

July 31 will always hold a special place for me in my personal history. It was on this date, the Feast of St. Ignatius of Loyola, that I was named a pastor for the first time in my priestly life. As a priest, I always wanted to be a pastor. I loved the ministry to all the individuals who make up parish life. In my personal spirituality, it is the pastor who assists in building the family of the Church; after all, we are called “Father,” and the parish takes on significance in the development of the faith life of the members.

I was named the pastor of St. Ignatius of Loyola Parish, located on the northside of Chicago, just a couple of blocks west of Loyola University. The parish was founded by the Jesuits and, in its heyday, was a very influential and prominent parish community. However, that was almost three decades ago; numbers decreased, collections were down and there was a diverse community that needed attention. The Jesuits, due to lack of personnel, were pulling out of St. Ignatius and turning governance over to the Archdiocese of Chicago. Cardinal George’s appointment filled my priestly desire.  

The parish was absolutely beautiful. It had been presented in Dennis McNamara’s book, “The Heavenly City: The Architectural Tradition of Catholic Chicago.” Its inspirational beauty was undeniable, and I instantly fell in love with the church. This feeling of love was only surpassed by the relationships made with the generous and dedicated people who made up the community. 

Although the parish could be characterized as struggling, its members were generous, always sharing what they had to assist others in need. I cherished my time there and my own spiritual life was increased through the witness of St. Ignatius’ members. In my mind, I was going to be there until either I retired, or God called me home. However, that was not to be. 

I am a perfect example of the saying, “If you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans.” Just three months after being named pastor of St. Ignatius, I was named an auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Chicago. It placed a wonderful well-deserved focus on the parish and its people, and we were able to accomplish some truly remarkable achievements. However, I knew in my heart that my tenure would be short-lived since an auxiliary belongs to the entire archdiocese to assist the archbishop. I “kicked and screamed,” and was allowed to stay for two glorious years. I then turned the reigns of pastoral leadership over to a dear priest friend, Fr. Joseph Jackson, which helped to ease some of the pain of separation.

I was appointed to oversee Vicariate V, which included Lake and northwestern Cook counties. Investing myself in the work along with the staff, we started to build a vision, as we had just finished a plan for the future. I was settled in the area, and then I received a call that the Pope had appointed me the bishop of La Crosse, Wisconsin. I quickly fell in love with the bluffs and the Mississippi, the priests and people. Cardinal George even wanted someone to take a picture of me milking a cow. It was hard for him to fathom how this industrial kid from the southside of Chicago would adjust to agricultural life.  

La Crosse was now to be my home until I retired or, again, until God called me home. My sister Penny and I would view homes on the Mississippi, planning that one day, one of them would be a retirement spot. But again, that was not to be. Just four and a half years later, I received a call that Pope Benedict XVI was naming me the archbishop of Milwaukee. 

Now for 14 years, I have embraced this place as home. I have submitted my resignation. I have struggled, loved, and learned with this family entrusted to me. Its bishops, priests, religious, deacons and lay people have been family to me. I am constantly asked, “Archbishop, what are you planning to do after you retire?” In my mind, I can hear God chuckling as I say that I have no plans except to LOVE ONE ANOTHER.       

Sincerely,

Most Reverend Jerome E. Listecki

Archbishop of Milwaukee          

Note: This blog originally appeared as the July 30, 2024, "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.