Calling On The Cardinal

By Christian Villodas

Bells rang and traffic lights flickered as priests, religious, lay-people, and other prominent New Yorkers came to welcome now Cardinal Edward Egan, and accept his thanks.

Cardinal Egan was a Connecticut bishop and head of the diocese of Bridgeport for 13 years. He was installed February 21 as Cardinal for the archdiocese of New York. Among those invited was Reverend Robert Weiss, Pastor of St Rose of Lima Church. Rev Weiss, an acquaintance of the Cardinal, commented on Cardinal Egan’s special day of thanks.

“It was a beautiful morning, the traffic was light, and the NYPD was very helpful to us,” said Rev Weiss.

 The celebration began with an early Morning Prayer service, where Rev Weiss spent most of his time with Cardinal Egan.

Addressing the group in both English and Spanish, the Cardinal commented on many of the issues facing New York City residents.

“He touched on the ethnic mix in New York, and the respect we need to place on each other,” said Rev Weiss. “He really wants to work on the education issue, and keep as many Catholic schools open as he can.”

The day’s events filled with the emotion of new beginnings were not lost on the new Cardinal.

“He spoke of the moment he looked into the Holy Father’s eyes, and was proclaimed a Cardinal,” stated Rev Weiss. “He had tears in his eyes.”

The Cardinal, comfortable with his new surroundings, is now able to tackle the important issues shaping society.

Said Rev Weiss, “It doesn’t matter where he is. He’s comfortable with the church.”

At present, with the challenge of running a new diocese, the focus shifts to Bishop William Lori.

According to Rev Weiss the new bishop will “knock on the door of the church” and take possession of the diocese on March 19.

With a heavy concentration on all these events abroad, St Rose parish will not be lost in the shuffle, he said.

“We have an Irish Cabaret which is on March 16, that will be held at the Fireside Inn. We are having an Easter boutique the seventh and eighth of April. Bishop Lori will be here on March 28 for Confirmation,” said Rev Weiss. 

 “I’m also going to be sponsoring a mother and father of the year award on Mother’s Day, and Father’s Day, respectively,” stated Rev Weiss.

The installation of a new Cardinal brings with it a sense of new beginnings, and the knowledge of work to be done.

“He [Cardinal Egan] was extraordinarily humble,” said Rev Weiss. “He has a great history, and to get to this point is magnificent.”

(Christian Villodas is a junior and the News Editor for the Newtown High School Hawkeye.)