New bishop installed at La Crosse Diocese

Mar 2, 2005 / 22:00 pm

Chicago native Bishop Jerome Listecki was installed as the new bishop of the Diocese of La Crosse this week. The former auxiliary bishop of Chicago succeeds the well-known Bishop Raymond Burke, who is currently serving the Diocese of St. Louis.

Francis Cardinal George, archbishop of Chicago, attended the two-hour ceremony at the Cathedral of St. Joseph the Workman March 1, along with nearly 900 faithful, reported the Associated Press.

In his homily, Bishop Listecki recalled how he stood in the vestibule of the cathedral to catch a glimpse of his friend Bishop Raymond Burke’s installation a decade ago.

He recounted how he and another priest were traveling to Winona, Minn., for a meeting when they decided to stop and see Bishop Burke installed. He said a Knight of Columbus stopped him at the door and demanded a ticket. Having no ticket, he was told he could stand in the vestibule.

"Today ... I do have a seat in this cathedral. However, I might suggest someone take the names of any priests standing in the vestibule for future reference," he joked.

Cardinal George gave the closing speech, reportedly telling the faithful that Bishop Listecki will be a good leader and faithful friend.

"Bishop Listecki will do his best to love you as Christ wants you to be loved," he was quoted as saying.

Pope John Paul II named Bishop Listecki, a canon lawyer and a civil attorney, as the bishop of La Crosse in December. He had been appointed an auxiliary bishop of Chicago in 2000.