Apr 14, 2009 8:27 pm US/Eastern
Dolan Knocks And New York City Answers
New Archbishop A Big Hit During Tuesday's Solemn Vespers, Setting Stage For Wednesday's Installation
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
-
-
Timothy Dolan wowed the masses at St. Patrick's Cathedral on April 14, moving the people with his charm and wit. He wwas to be installed as the city's next archbishop on April 15.
CBS
There was a series of knocks on the grand doors of St. Patrick's Cathedral on Tuesday night.
And incoming Archbishop Timothy Dolan was welcomed into his new home.
"Thanks for opening the door wide enough to let even me in," Dolan said.
The 59-year-old Dolan is replacing the retiring Edward Cardinal Egan who was first to greet him. This is the first time in the 200-year history of the New York Archdiocese that a living archbishop welcomed a successor.
"You are in our prayers," Egan told Dolan.
The 10th archbishop of New York had a message for Catholics to open the door to religion.
"We will open up in faith, hope and love to the God that gently knocks on the door," Dolan said.
He also addressed the many challenges of the church.
"The scandal of clergy sexual abuse and caring for those hurt," Dolan said. "The challenges of strengthening our parishes, schools and charitable outreach; the threats to marriage, family, to the unborn baby and the fragile human life at all stages; the need for vocations, the list is long. The list is haunting."
Joining him for the service was Dolan's second grade teacher, a now-84-year-old who inspired him to enter the priesthood. He thanked her and the hundreds of others in attendance.
"I am glad you're all here and isn't it better than doing our last minute tax returns?" Dolan laughed.
And from this first formal introduction to New York, it was clear that Dolan, formerly head of Milwaukee's archdiocese, has his own distinct style.
"It's nice to have a man of humor," one person said.
"We have a new boss," added another.
"We love him, we welcome him and we're glad he came through the door," another said.
New York Catholics will officially welcome Dolan as the new archbishop this Wednesday. Join CBS 2 for special live coverage of the Mass of installation, beginning at 1:30 p.m.
Wednesday, 1:30 p.m.: Installation Mass Live Stream
Solemn Vespers Booklet |
Installation Mass Booklet
Slideshow: New York's Archbishops | 
Street Closures
(© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
Click to enlarge
Stumble It!
Reporting
Comments