By Gary Stern
The Journal News
February 23, 2009
http://www.lohud.com/article/20090223/NEWS05/902230363
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| Archbishop Timothy Dolan during Mass today at St. Patrick's Cathedral. |
NEW YORK - Archbishop Timothy Dolan, in his first meeting with the New York media this morning, said he would follow his mother's advice in leading the archdiocese of New York.
"Just be yourself," he said.
Dolan, who was named this morning the successor to retiring Cardinal Edward Egan, promised to be a pastor to all the Catholics of New York and unveiled a sense of humor not often seen from big city bishops.
Asked about being the latest in a line of Irish-American archbishops, he said, "That's a sign of the Holy Father's infallibility, don't you think?"
Dolan, a St. Louis native, acknowledged that he was thrilled when the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Yankees in the 1964 World Series. But, he is a New Yorker now.
"I will now become a Yankees fan," he said.
But, he has a lot to learn about the geography of the 10-county archdiocese. He seemed surprised that his new territory stretches all the way up the Hudson Valley to Sullivan and Ulster counties. He said that Egan had to fill him in on the details.
Dolan co-celebrated Mass this morning at St. Patrick's Cathedral, with Egan. Egan asked for prayers for "our new archbishop," that he will be able to lead an archdiocese "filled with faith."
Dolan stood by Egan's side during the Mass. He did not speak but received a loud ovation at the end of Mass.
The 59-year-old newcomer, regarded as orthodox on church teachings as well as outgoing and personable, will visit St. Joseph's Seminary in Yonkers at 5 p.m. today as part of his introduction to the New York Archdiocese.
Dolan, 59, is to be installed as archbishop on April 15. Egan will act as administrator of the archdiocese until then.
In an initial statement released by the archdiocese, Dolan said: "My brother bishops, priests, religious women and men, seminarians, committed Catholics of this wonderful Church, I pledge to you my love, my life, my heart, and I can tell you already that I love you, I need so much your prayers and support, I am so honored, humbled, and happy to serve as your pastor."
Dolan is a St. Louis native who has been archbishop of Milwaukee since 2002. He previously served briefly as an auxiliary bishop in St. Louis and as head of a prestigious seminary in Rome.
Egan submitted his retirement papers to the Vatican when he turned 75 in 2007. It has been widely rumored in recent weeks that Pope Benedict XVI was prepared to accept Egan's retirement and name Dolan to New York.
Dolan is regarded as one of the more outgoing American bishops; he is expected to make use of the great stage that New York City provides.
Most priests and others who have worked with him say that Dolan is a strong leader who is comfortable addressing all types of people and is able to make others feel at ease.
Dolan is not likely to be made a cardinal until the 77-year-old Egan reaches 80, the age when bishops can no longer vote for a pope.
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