"The Eucharist Joins Us Together As One"

March 16, 2010
Year for the Priest

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

On Saturday morning I celebrated Mass at St. Patrick’s in Milwaukee to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Shamrock Club. Later that day, I was at the Cathedral to celebrate Mass for Consecrated Virgins from Wisconsin and Illinois. Some may wonder what these two things have to do with each other. It’s called the Eucharist, which joins us together as one.

The celebration at St. Patrick’s had a procession with various Irish organizations, Irish Step Dancers, Bagpipers and of course, the Ancient Order of the Hibernians. It was a true celebration of Irish pride. St. Patrick’s is a beautiful church which has been well preserved. Its current pastor, Father José Moreno (certainly not an Irish sounding name), has done wonders maintaining the outreach to those in need, so characteristic of our early immigrants. I commented during the homily how the Irish as a people were oftentimes in their history suppressed by occupation. Yet, they rose above their oppression to influence and dominate not only their culture, but others that surrounded them.

Having studied English literature, I have noted that many of the great Irish poets and novelists dealt with the English language which was imposed on them. In our American culture, the Irish left their mark in politics, arts, and education. Their influence in the American Catholic Church is also evidenced by the number of religious priests and bishops who have led the faith.

After a tour of the Irish Cultural Center I was off to the Cathedral where I celebrated Mass with the Consecrated Virgins. Now, this may sound like a stretch, but what was happening at St. Patrick’s Church in the celebration of the Irish’s identity with the faith, was now happening in a deep and intense internal way at the celebration of consecrated life.

Consecrated Virgins intentionally commit their virginity to Christ and his Church. There is a symbolic marriage wherein the mind and the heart of the religious woman is espoused to Christ. The consecrated woman considers herself to be married and acts in accordance with Christ as her husband. This may seem strange to some, but in one sense, it offers a practical connection to the reality that we all must be in a relationship to Christ. The Consecrated Virgin serves Christ in and through his Church. They represent the spiritual surrender necessary to build the body of Christ.

It is important for all of us to see that whether we are celebrating our cultural heritage or our individual station in life, we are called to do it through our commitment to Christ. This commitment offers us life, a life we celebrate and examine. Hear his words echoing in our ears, “Love one another as I have loved you.”

See you at Mass!

Most Reverend Jerome E. Listecki
Archbishop of Milwaukee

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