"Hail Mary"

September 8, 2009

The Year for Priests

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Today is the Blessed Mother’s birthday.  It is always right to honor the Mother of God because she is the woman whom God loves in a special and unique way.  Each of us, of course, knows that we are loved specially and uniquely by God.  But, in the case of the Blessed Virgin Mary,  we recognize the true gift that only she, in all creation was given. God chose to have a mother—and He chose her from among all women.  She is the woman whom God loves and she is the spouse of the Holy Spirit.  For that reason we honor her with true devotion and love.  Her humility is flawless and her faith unshakeable.  She is the model of virtue and truly the first disciple of Jesus; she teaches us how to be true disciples. Today you might want to think about the virtue of humility in your life and consider an extra “Hail Mary” for our Blessed Mother on her birthday.

I extend hearty congratulations and sincere encouragement to the 202 parishes that have already participated in the Faith In Our Future Campaign.  Many of these parishes are still working hard to maximize their efforts, and I applaud them!  The final wave of campaign activity includes 95 parishes; 90 of these parishes launched in May and June of 2009 with the remaining five to launch next month. 

In spite of very difficult and challenging economy, the FIOF campaign seems to be holding together and many people, who have made significant sacrifices to participate, are keeping their commitments.  This Capital Campaign, as you know, is historic in this archdiocese.  It is the first and the most comprehensive fundraising effort of its kind.  So many people are taking this seriously and it will have tremendous implications for the future of Catholic education and Catholic faith formation in southeastern Wisconsin for years to come. Thank you so much for your prayerful and financial support.

The period of candidacy begins for our brothers seeking ordination as permanent deacons on Saturday.  The ceremony will be celebrated during the 10:30 a.m. Mass, in the St. Joseph Chapel at the Motherhouse of the School Sisters of St. Francis, 1501 S. Layton Blvd., Milwaukee.  Please remember all of our deacons and the deacon candidates in your prayers.

Finally, thinking about ordinations and preparations for candidacy and receptions into religious life, I call your attention to the 21st anniversary of the death of former Archbishop William E. Cousins on September 14.  Archbishop Cousins ordained many of the priests and deacons who serve within our archdiocese.  I am happy to be included in their number. 

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let the perpetual light shine upon him!  May his soul, and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.  Amen.

Faithfully in Christ,

Most Reverend William Patrick Callahan

Archdiocesan Administrator
Archdiocese of Milwaukee

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