Archbishop Timothy Dolan Appointed to New York

Catholic Online ^ | 2/23/09 | Deacon Keith Fournier

[tcg]

Archbishop Timothy Dolan turned 59 earlier this month. He has received a Birthday present from the Lord whom he loves so dearly, another assignment to respond to the Lord's invitation to Peter to "feed my lambs". This appointment will prove to be one of the most important appointments in many, many years....

The Press Office of the Holy See put an end to months of extraordinary speculation about this appointment. The speculation involved not only those in "religious" media but rippled, no roared, throughout the entire media.

There is no doubt that this appointment has profound implications not only for the Church of New York but for the Church in the United States. Here is the official Press release:

"The Holy Father, Benedict XVI, has accepted the resignation from pastoral oversight of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of New York (U.S.A.), presented by His Eminence Card. Edward M. EGAN, in conformity with canon 401 § 1 of the Code of Canon Law.

"The Pope has named Metropolitan Archbishop of New York (U.S.A.) H. E. Abp. Timothy M. DOLAN, up to now Archbishop of Milwaukee."

...Archbishop Dolan, you have our prayers and "may you have many years". Your appointment is a sign of the Lord's continued guidance of the Church during these troubled times in our Nation.The Church and the message of authentic freedom which she proclaims is the only hope for this age and every age. You are a wonderful trumpet to proclaim it in all of its clarity,power,and hope. Remember those words: "Be Not Afraid".

The Archbishop will make his first public appearance since the formal announcement at an 8 A.M. where he will appear with Cardinal Egan at Holy Mass in St. Patrick's Cathedral. This will be followed by a Press Conference.

[tcg]

Archbishop Dolan you have our prayers and "may you have many years". Your appointment is a sign of the Lord's continued guidance of the Church during these troubled times in our Nation.

[Convert from ECUSA]

Ping!

[NYer]

From Rocco Palmo - Whispers In The Loggia Blogspot

Milwaukee Takes Manhattan: Dolan Named to New York

What's long been touted as the American hierarchy's "marriage made in heaven" has come to pass.

After weeks of speculation, it's finally official: this morning, Pope Benedict named Archbishop Timothy Dolan of Milwaukee to the archbishopric of New York -- Stateside Catholicism's most prominent post, the chief pastorate of what the Vatican considers to be the "Capital of the World."

Soon to become the tenth occupant of 452 Madison, the appointee -- seen as the "natural choice" for the slot from as far back as 2001 -- succeeds Cardinal Edward Egan, whose resignation was accepted for reasons of age. Head of the 2 million-member Gotham church since 2000, Egan reached the retirement age of 75 in April 2007. Dolan, who turned 59 earlier this month, was promoted to Milwaukee in June 2002, less than a year after his ordination as a bishop.

As reported last evening, the appointee's first public appearance is expected to come at an 8am Mass alongside Egan in St Patrick's Cathedral, with the customary press conference to follow at midmorning.

Best known for his contagious, energetic enthusiasm, love for priesthood -- and, of course, media-savvy -- Dolan will be installed as head of the nation's second-largest local church on Easter Wednesday, 15 April, in the nation's best-known house of worship.

Founded in 1808 and elevated to an archdiocese in 1850, the transition of governance from one living ordinary of New York to his successor is without precedent. The last time a Gotham archbishop was named without any prior experience in the local church's ranks came in 1939, when the newly-elected Pope Pius XII tapped his close friend, then-Boston auxiliary Francis Spellman, for the post.

As always, more to come.

SVILUPPO: From the Gotham release, the Quote of the Day... well, the first one:

In a statement, Archbishop Dolan addressed New Yorkers, saying, "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."

PHOTO: Archdiocese of Milwaukee

-30-

[Desdemona]

NY - Lucky dogs. Dolan is a great guy.

[Desdemona]

Best known for his contagious, energetic enthusiasm, love for priesthood -- and, of course, media-savvy -- Dolan will be installed as head of the nation's second-largest local church on Easter Wednesday, 15 April, in the nation's best-known house of worship.

Pray for Jenny, the music director at St. Patrick, and the choir. Jeez. Triduum, Easter and an installation in one week. I'm tired just thinking about it.

[Joe Boucher]

Fine, he’s a “great guy”.
Will he take to task folks like ted kennedy who profess to be catholic but support in public abortion?
Will “great guy” Dolan throw abortion supporters under the bus or will he gladly smile and just take their money?
Business as usual?

[MondoQueen]

The thing that puzzled me the most when Bishop Dolan came to Milwaukee was the fawning that he did over Bishop Weakland. I still have the mailing that extols the virtues of Bishop Weakland, and Bishop Dolan has tried to send Bishop Weakland out to do confirmations, and the people won’t have him. I have never been able to figure that out.

[Northern Yankee]

He is outstanding.

I've met him a few times.

A great choice!

[RobbyS]

Eagan has been pretty mich invisible, and this in a place like NYC. More than PR, of course, is needed to address the issues that divide the Church.

[ELS]

Will he take to task folks like ted kennedy...?

Kennedy's home (arch)diocese is in Massachusetts, not New York.

[MockTurtle]

There was speculation that Bishop Lori from Bridgeport, CT would get it. I guess his succession has come to a screaming halt after he compromised on Plan B.

[Joe Boucher]

Sorry, I get excited.
How about N.Y.s former mayor? Etc?

[Desdemona]

Dolan doesn't withhold sacraments, if that's what you're asking, but he does meet with the politicians every six months to discuss the theology behind church teaching. His style may not be what the laity wants to see, but he wins people over in the end.

Don't forget, he also was the one to remove two priests from active duty with whom he was living during the scandal here in StL. He makes hard decisions.