'He's always been there for us': Archbishop Listecki delivers final mass

MILWAUKEE (CBS58) -- At the Cathedral of Saint John the Evangelist, Archbishop Jerome Listecki delivered his final mass of Thanksgiving on Sunday, May 9. 

"We needed put closure on my tenure with out the pressure of rush," said Listecki.

In Listecki's 14 years as Archbishop, there have been hard times.

"We had to go through bankruptcy, Covid was certainly changeling for everybody but there was this tremendous sense of faithfulness on part of people wanting to make sure the lord was present in their life," said Listecki

And growth for the church.

"Just this last year with ordaining 9 one of the largest ordination classes in the country, certainly to see 16 men committing to the permanent diaconate," said Listecki.

More than 100 people attended the mass including a family that Archbishop Listecki has had a major impact on.

"I've known him since I was 12 years old. He's been there for my confirmation, he baptized all five of our children, he married us. He's always been there for us," said Ann Russell, attendee.

Listecki had final words for his perishers.

"God is for us, God is with us, God guides us so to rely upon faith and to understand the depth of that mystery helps all of us," said Listecki.

The church confirmed the Pope has received the letter, but there's no word on how long Archbishop Listecki will remain before his successor is named.