Archbishop Timothy Dolan: Appointed to New York

Archbishop Dolans' appointment is a sign of the Lord's continued guidance of the Church during these troubled times in our Nation.

NEW YORK, N.Y. (Catholic Online) - 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.

This gregarious, dynamic Bishop began his last assignment of leading the Archdiocese of Milwaukee in June of 2002 by proclaiming those wonderful words of the late Servant of God John Paul II, the words of the Angel to Our Lady, "Be Not Afraid" as he addressed the faithful.

Any observer of the work of Bishops must attest that given the state of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee when he was appointed, Archbishop Dolan demonstrated his full palate of gifts and he has pastored with the heart of a true shepherd. He is dearly loved by his priests and clearly filled with the Holy Spirit. He s a dynamic and inspiring communicator. These are gifts and attributes which are all needed now as he now assumes the leadership of the second largest local Church in the United States, two Million strong, the Archdiocese of New York.However, its global influence exceeds even its numbers.

On Easter Wednesday, 15 April, the new Archbishop of New York will be installed at the glorious St. Patrick's Cathedral. He will succeed Edward Cardinal Egan whose resignation was accepted for having reached the retirement age of 75 in April, 2007.

With a short - but deeply significant - announcement, and in its own time, not following the timeline of the media, the Press Office of the Holy See put an end to months of extraordinary speculation about this important appointment. The speculation involved not only those in "religious" media but rippled, and then 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."

Now, the massive reporting concerning this important appointment will unfold. There will be a new focus on the Archdiocese of New York, which the Holy See is purported to consider the "Capital of the World." A kind, evangelistic, joyful, "John Paul II" Bishop takes the leadership of "Gotham City" and will soon occupy 452 Madison.

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.Now, the coverage really begins.

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