Most Reverend Jerome E. Listecki
Archbishop of Milwaukee

It was a glorious experience this past Saturday at Holy Hill, Hubertus. People from the Archdiocese of Milwaukee and beyond assembled at the Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary Help of Christians to celebrate a Mass in honor of Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan’s elevation to the College of Cardinals by Pope Benedict XVI. Although it was overcast and raining, the “Son” was shining.

A day of joy-filled moments; Cardinal Dolan, through his colorful storytelling, shared vivid memories, as his many well-wishers were present to welcome their former archbishop and good friend. However, it was really about the “Son” that day, as the light of Jesus Christ shined in the understanding of the grace given to us as believers and members of his Church.

When you really think about it, that Mass of Thanksgiving — that event of happiness — started long ago. It was not created when Cardinal Dolan announced his intention to return to Milwaukee, nor was it created when Fr. Don Brick, the Carmelite Community and the staff at Holy Hill prepared the shrine for the reception of dignitaries and guests. Nor was it created when the archdiocesan staff began the preparation work to accommodate the thousands of people expected to attend.

No, this celebration really started when Jesus gave us the great gift of His Church, and sent the Holy Spirit to guide and direct her.  Therefore, as much as Saturday was about Cardinal Dolan, he would be the first to tell us that it really was not about him at all, but about the Church.

The Holy Spirit guided Cardinal Dolan’s vocation and placed him in positions of responsibility as a priest in the United States and of Rome. It was this same Church, guided by the Holy Spirit, which led him to become Archbishop of Milwaukee.

Sometimes, we forget that we are all called to live in holiness. God uses all of us as instruments to accomplish that task. At Saturday’s special Mass, people in the congregation reminisced about Cardinal Dolan’s episcopal and priestly ministry and witnessed as he acted as a true instrument of the Church with the “Son” at the heart of the relationship, shining the warmth of his love on everyone present. The event brought us together and gave us continued hope for our ultimate union with him. 

There will be many challenges that Cardinal Dolan will face as he leads both the Archdiocese of New York and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. However, he will meet these challenges armed with the greatest force in all of existence, the love of God, which calls all of us to LOVE ONE ANOTHER.

Note: this blog originally appeared as the May 1, 2012 "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 emails, please click here.