By A.M. Kelley
Catholic Herald
Wisconsin Legislature honors Fr. Philip Heslin
SUPERIOR -- Wisconsin Sen. Robert Jauch presented Fr. Philip Heslin with a "citation by the legislature" on Dec. 6 in honor of his 50 years of service in the Diocese of Superior.
"Fr. Heslin has fulfilled the ultimate responsibility we have as citizens -- to be our brothers' keepers," Jauch said.
The ceremony took place in Superior at the offices of Catholic Charities Bureau, an organization Heslin directed for 25 years until his appointment in 1985 as the moderator of the curia.
One cannot do justice to what (Heslin) has done for the people in this region," Jauch said. "He has served not only those of the Catholic faith but all in the area."
Jauch noted Heslin's achievements in social services, as a developer of affordable housing and his history as an educator and said that the citation summed up his contribution to the overall good of people.
"We will not be defined by people at the top of the ladder," he said. "But by how we help people climb the ladder -- one rung at a time."
In his 50 years of service Heslin has worked in the administrations of four bishops in the diocese beginning with Bishop Joseph Annabring, who welcomed the newly ordained priest to Wisconsin from his home state of Illinois in 1957. He chose to come to Superior, sight unseen, in spite of being warned that the area was "unbearably cold" and populated with nothing but "lumberjacks." Heslin has said, on record, that he has never regretted the decision.
In accepting the citation from Jauch, Heslin seemed, again, to allude to that long ago made decision: "This makes me feel like I've contributed to the state of Wisconsin."
The paths of Jauch and Heslin have crossed many times over the years. Jauch, whose 25th senate district includes Ashland, Barron, Bayfield, Douglas, Iron, Sawyer, Washburn and parts of Polk and Burnett counties, has had an elected seat in the legislature for 25 years.
"Heslin was already serving for 25 years when I began," he said.
Jauch, a Democrat, said the award was truly "remarkable" in that "it's from both houses" in the legislature; it was co-authored by Rep. Frank Boyle, a Democrat of the 73rd district. The citation is further significant, Jauch said, because, even after 50 years, "Fr. Heslin has the same enthusiasm and compassion for the community. He's a role model for young people and for priests."
In recognizing Heslin's achievements, the formal citation, in part, reads: "... the success of the State of Wisconsin, the strength of our communities, and the overall vitality of American society depend, in great measure, upon the dedication of people like Father Heslin, who use their considerable talents and passion to serve others."
© Superior Catholic Herald, 2007