BY MARYANGELA LAYMAN ROMAN
THE NEWLY installed Archbishop of Milwaukee has promised to serve his archdiocese with “every ounce” of his being.
Archbishop Jerome Listecki said in his installation homily that he knew “there are many bishops and priests more intelligent, more talented and more deserving of this position than me”.
He said: “I say this not with a false sense of humility, but merely as fact. However, His Holiness, Benedict XVI, has made his selection and I accept his decision as God’s will.” He promised to serve the archdiocese “with every ounce of my being”.
The archbishop was installed at the Cathedral of St John the Evangelist in front of nearly 1,000 people. He was appointed after his predecessor, Archbishop Timothy Dolan, was made Archbishop of New York.
During his homily Archbishop Listecki invited the faithful to work with him in his role as governor, teacher and sanctifier.
He said: “No one governs alone, but rather in collaboration with those he serves.” He admitted that adherence to the Church’s teaching was not always easy, “however, one must sacrifice for the truth. In this sacrifice, we demonstrate our love.” His homily elicited a standing ovation.