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I think its springtime in Milwaukee after a long winter. |
Posted on 08/18/2002 1:38:23 PM PDT by afraidfortherepublic
Thousands of Catholics turned out early this morning to meet Archbishop-elect Timothy Dolan at one of the first Masses that he has offered open to the general public in his new Archdiocese -- Milwaukee.
The Marcus Amphitheatre (an outdoor concert arena) was filled to overflowing this morning with Catholics of every ethnic background eager to catch their first glimpse of the new Archbishop. We were not disappointed.
A half hour before Mass was scheduled, while the crowd was still assembling, an imposing figure in a red skull cap strode out on the platform to make final adjustments to the choir and to position furniture and other accoutrements. As the the people recognized the man as their new Archbishop a standing ovation washed over the amphitheatre that continued for as long as he was visible. He waved at the crowd in general and to individuals in particular that he spotted in the arena. His broad smile raised everyone's spirits and provided the first clue that this will not be a man to fear -- he will be a man to lead, and Milwaukee Catholics are more than willing to follow.
He disappeared as people continued to find their seats. Fifteen minutes later the applause started again, and we could spot him (now in Robe and Mitre) filing in with the other priests who were assisting in the service. It took him nearly 10 minutes to wend his way through the friendly crowd to the position where the procession was to start. He was greeted by cheers and handshakes -- people reaching from several rows away to take his hand. He returned all of this affection in a jolly, good-natured manner.
After he reached the starting position, he had to stand for about another 5 minutes right in front of us. Everyone crowded forward to take his hand -- including my husband and myself. He was so friendly and approachable -- I've never witnessed anything like it. He seemed to draw strength from all the attention and he returned it graciously.
The procession was led by the Archbishop's younger brother, Bob Dolan, as cross bearer. Bob Dolan already lives in Milwaukee and hosts an early morning radio show, so Milwaukeeans have been hearing about "big brother, the Bishop" for months; and we had a hint of what to expect. Archbishop Dolan was even better than we expected.
The Mass was spectacular with the usual excellent choir and Irish dancers and fraternal organizations participating. The crowd was immense. I don't know the capacity of the Marcus Amphitheatre, but it was full. Even the grass was loaded with people.
The real highlight, however, was the sermon and the lesson from Archbishop Dolan. I shall attempt to recap it here, because it is a lesson that we all would profit from.
First of all, I'll type the Gospel, because Dolan's homily was based on it.
Gospel: Matthew 15:21-28
At that time, Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. And behold, a Canaanite woman of that district came and called out, "have pity on me, Lord, son of David! My daughter is tormented by a demon." But Jesus did not say a word in answer to her. Jesus' disciples came and asked him, "Send her away, for she keeps calling out after us." He said in reply, "I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel." But the woman came and did Jesus homage, saying, "Lord, help me." He said in reply, "It is not right to take the food of the children and throw it to the dogs." She said, "Please, Lord, for even the dogs eat the scraps that fall from the table of their masters." Then Jesus said to her in reply, "O woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish." And the woman's daughter was healed from that hour.
Archbishop-elect Dolan started with a joke (his brother promised that that is the way he always starts.) He said that he was relieved to see the crowd, because he had been warned that there were no Irish in Milwaukee! He went on to pronounce crowd, which by now was spilling out the gates, as a "two collection crowd." He followed by saying that he was flattered to learn that he'd just been told that the "gate" was bigger than the recent Jethro Tull concert drew. He went on to explain that he had been invited to say this Mass six months ago and had accepted long before "Divine providence" intervened and arranged to have him installed as our Archbishop 10 days from now. He laughed and said that he hoped we'd all be applauding this time next year, or he might be "stuck with Germanfest" in 2003! Waves of laughter and applause greeted every remark.
Now that we were all in good humor, he launched into the meat of his message.
The Catholic Church is rich in the diversity of its people, and it is good that we can celebrate this in Milwaukee. We are all God's children, and it is our heritage, talents, and traditions that make the church so catholic. As James Joyce commented, "The Catholic Church means here comes everybody!"
It is appropriate that the Irish make the Mass the centerpiece of a festival of music, humor, art, & dance, within the bonds of family. The most important thing that we have inherited from our forbears is a strong, tough Faith. The Irish are tenacious and stubborn. They came to this country bringing nothing but the clothes on their backs and that pearl of great price, Faith. Famine, plague, poverty cannot destroy the greatest price -- Faith -- and prevent it from being passed to our children. The Irish are like the woman in the Gospel -- stubborn, tenacious. The woman in the Gospel might as well have been from Tipperary as Canaan. Jesus gives her no answer, but she keeps pestering Him -- she doesn't give up. She is patient, perservering, and persistent.
Faith survived war, famine, dispossession, and prejudice. And it will survive today's distractions -- comfort, prosperity, and scandal.Thanks be to God.
Just as promised, the Archbishop gave us a brief sermon with an unequivocal lesson to remember.
Afterward, Archbishop Dolan shook hands, took pictures and hugged children, greeting everyone who came forward. He lingered at least an hour after mass. Later while we were touring the festival grounds, we spotted him again on the balcony of "Mother Machree's Streudel House" (it's a Milwaukee thing) cheerily waving to everyone who waved to him. He greeted us with another hearty salute, and we danced a little jig as we passed by.
I have high hopes for the future of the Milwaukee Diocese, and I hope my poor transcription skills did not interfere with his message.
If some of you could ping the others on the Catholic list, I'd appreciate it.
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I think its springtime in Milwaukee after a long winter. |
And a long, hot, summer, too. :~)
This is not the best picture of Archbishop Dolan, but the only althernative I had was one that ran in the paper and included Dolan's predecessor. I don't want to post that one.
That's a better picture!
BTW, I found my recording of The Spanish Lady at Irish Fest today! Now if I could only find a shirt that I like.
I think so!
Interesting that the Pope should send a "Wild Goose" to fight for souls in Milwaukee--eh?
And, as in the years of chaos following the disintegration of the Roman Empire---will Irishmen once again be the men who whip Western Civilization back into shape? Might these things be in the Pope's mind, I wonder?
I came away from our meeting BELIEVING that the Faith of the people will prevail!
And he does! And he understands the importance of recruiting new young men to lead the church. I think he will be successful.
His predecessor was aloof and cold. This man is the opposite.
a hear-na aisht lin
And I think the Lord has heard us to send us such a wonderful Bishop.
I hope so, although I would welcome a man of any nationality as long as he could move the people.
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