"Ordination, part II" 

 July 21, 2010

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

A few ecclesiastical visitors arrived in our archdiocese this last weekend to attend the ordination of Father John Burns who studied at the North American College in Rome. One of the great benefits of studying in Rome is the opportunity it provides seminarians to develop friendships with priests from across the country.

During his stay, one of my house guests, Monsignor James Cecchio, rector of the North American College, shared with me his insights on the young seminarians he is responsible for.  He offered great hope for the Church and reminded me that an ordination is not only the completion of four years of study and formation, but the culmination of a sought after goal, the surrendering of self to Christ for the sake of His Church.  

The day of the ordination, the cathedral was filled with family, friends and priests. Archbishop James Harvey, head of the Papal household and a native son of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, joined Bishop Robert Molino of Madison, Bishop William Callahan, Bishop Richard Sklba and me, for the ordination ceremony.  I’m always amazed at the relationships created in and through the Church.  There seems to be a special quality to these relationships because the Lord Jesus is the ultimate source and reason for them.

The ordination of Father Burns brought smiles and tears of joy as the congregation viewed the transformation of a young man they love and admire become a priest.  It’s a powerful ceremony.  Later the visitors and guests shared in Father Burn’s first Mass and first blessings.

Also last weekend, Marquette University hosted a conference on social communication. The keynote speaker was Archbishop Claudio Celli, head of the Pontifical Commission of Social Communication. Archbishop Celli was also my house guest.  

He arrived on Saturday evening and told me that he wanted to experience a little local Americana. So, after a simple meal, I took him to get dessert -- custard at Leon’s (two scoops).  It was a beautiful summer evening and the two of us enjoyed our cones surrounded by local families savoring the delicious treat. Then, we took an evening car ride admiring the city lights. On Sunday, he celebrated Mass for festival goers at Festa Italiana.

It took but a few minutes on Saturday to establish a kinship with Archbishop Celli. The connection was based on our love for Christ and his Church.  Archbishop Celli possesses a wealth of experience given a lifetime of dedicated diplomatic service to the Church. I truly enjoyed our time together.

My two guests left me a richer person for having shared in their life and our mutual love for our Church.  I think it’s that way for all of us. Everyone that comes into our life offers us an opportunity to Love One Another

See y ou at Mass!


Most Reverend Jerome E. Listecki
Archbishop of Milwaukee        

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