Abp. Listecki: Cardinal Harvey's Latin pronunciation was flawless

CNS

On Saturday, November 24, in the Basilica of St. Peter in Rome, Pope Benedict XVI created the third cardinal in the history of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee: native son James Michael Harvey. It was a grand day for the Church, the Archdiocese of Milwaukee and Archbishop Harvey’s family and friends.

I have decided that I have the touch of red, as this is the third consistory in which I have participated. I replaced Bishop Raymond Burke in La Crosse and he became a cardinal, then I replaced Archbishop Timothy Dolan and he became a cardinal. Now, I serve in the home archdiocese of Archbishop Harvey. So, if there are clerics who aspire to wear red, they should petition the pope for me to replace them or lead their native diocese. But, be sure to call the pope first.

His Eminence James Cardinal Harvey was one of six archbishops to receive this honor. The archbishops represent the universality of the Church, these leaders from Columbia, India, Lebanon, the Philippines, Nigeria and the United States. Cardinal Harvey was the first one named to the College of Cardinals and was therefore the designated spokesperson for the group of six. He led them in the profession of faith as well as the oath of fidelity. He did it in Latin, and all I could think of were those Latin exams early in our seminary training. This was Christendom’s world stage, no room for mistakes, and Cardinal Harvey’s Latin pronunciation was flawless.

I know from personal experience that fidelity to the pope and the Church has been a hallmark of Archbishop Harvey’s priesthood and episcopacy. He has been a servant of the Church working for the Gospel of Jesus Christ from behind the scenes, shunning personal attention which he always reserved for the pope and the Holy See.

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The state color is Cardinal Red after all...