Most Reverend Jerome E. Listecki
Archbishop of Milwaukee
 

Last Saturday I ordained two men for the priesthood of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. As I prepared the homily for the Mass, I marveled at the difference between the two. Dennis Saran is a doctor who had a respected and established practice. Mauricio Fernández-Boscán, a transplant from Venezuela, needed to learn the English language and integrate into American culture. Knowing their histories, if you were to predict that the two would be sharing studies together for the priesthood and be friends and associates, many would think that you spent too much time under the hot sun of the desert without a hat. Dennis and Mauricio may have crossed paths, but more likely in an airport – not studying together for the priesthood. This unlikely association could only be accomplished through the work of the Holy Spirit in the call to serve Christ in His Church.

A quote that struck me, which seemed to capture this unlikely duo, is from a Portuguese proverb, “God writes straight with crooked lines.” In researching the phrase, I discovered that some attribute the statement to Saint Augustine. Given Augustine’s self-reflective book “Confessions,” one doesn’t have to work too hard to imagine how one could make the connection with Augustine and his wayward early journey who suddenly finds himself as a priest and, later, a bishop. You would expect him to marvel at the grace of God working in his life.

The meaning of the phrase often suggests that God has a plan and that plan is fulfilled, despite the fact that the world may not recognize the way in which it’s achieved. It also does not negate the fact that one must use their free will to participate in the signs that God places in our lives to achieve His plan. However, when one turns themselves over to God, one becomes an instrument of His Glory – life is forever changed.

Dennis and Mauricio now begin their journeys as priests. The “crooked lines” will not stop. Any attempt on their part or others to control the Spirit will only end in frustration. Now, as priests, they are celebrants of “mystery,” proclaimers of God’s love and examples of God writing straight with crooked lines. They will now join the rich tradition of the Milwaukee priesthood and give thanks that God has seen fit to write their lives in crooked lines that led to priestly ordination.

Congratulations to our new priests, Father Dennis and Father Mauricio, who will help us to “LOVE ONE ANOTHER.”

Note: This blog originally appeared as the May 19, 2015 "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.