It was Feb. 5, 2009, the eve of my 59th birthday, my seventh happy year as archbishop of Milwaukee. All that changed with a telephone call from the Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, Archbishop Pietro Sambi, who tells me, “Pope Benedict has appointed you archbishop of New York. Do you accept?”
To say this was startling is an understatement to be sure! “Your Excellency,” I stammered, “please tell the Holy Father I am most grateful and honored, but that I am happy here in Wisconsin, that there are far better candidates for New York, and that I wonder if I am up to the job.”
The Nuncio may have been a diplomat, but his reply was hardly tactful: “We know all that, but I’m not asking you any of that. The Holy Father is asking you to become archbishop of New York. Yes or no!”
Well, you know the rest of the story. Whether — or — not I have been up to the job you can answer better than I. What I do know is that I’m immensely grateful for these nearly 17 years here in New York, which will come to an end at 2 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 6, at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, as we enthusiastically welcome my successor, Archbishop-designate Ronald Hicks.
Since I heard that news that Pope Leo XIV had appointed a new archbishop, I’ve offered a lot of prayers of thanksgiving for what I’ve learned here. Are you interested in the lessons?
For one, contrary to the perception that was held by this Midwestern boy from St. Louis and Milwaukee, New York is surprisingly friendly. Never have I been cussed out, given the middle finger, told to go to the place my job is to help folks avoid, or treated rudely. Waves from bus drivers, greetings on the sidewalks of New York, a beer bought at a bar, a steak paid for at the Tap Room of the New York Athletic Club…courtesy, thoughtfulness, consideration…thanks! And to think I was told New Yorkers were cold, mean, impersonal…malarkey!
Two, New York actually has the traits of a small town. As I chat with people, we quickly discover we have friends in common, or go to the same bodega, barber shop, bagel store, or ride the same train. At times I think I’m back in Ballwin, Mo., where I grew up, rather than in Metropolis.
Three, New Yorkers are hardly the pagans I was told they were. They believe in God, they ask for prayers and a blessing, they go to church, synagogues, or mosques, and they crowd into St. Patrick’s Cathedral, America’s parish church, to light a candle, thank God, and ask His grace.
Four, New Yorkers are far from the stereotypical “Greed is good” heartless cutthroats I’d been told to expect. On the contrary, a more apt description seems to be “Generosity is good,” as they have always opened their hearts and wallets for worthy causes, and rarely turned my requests down, whether it be to assist the victims of a natural disaster at home or abroad, to help fund scholarships for strapped parents who want to send their children to Catholic schools, or to provide food and shelter for families suddenly homeless after a fire ravaged their apartment building.
Five, New Yorkers admire and appreciate the Catholic Church. They may not know or agree with all Church teaching, but they unfailingly hail what we do, especially in our parishes, schools, healthcare, and charities. As Mayor Ed Koch told me, “I disagree with some of what you Catholics hold, but I’d sure hate to see this city without the great work of committed Catholics and their archdiocese.”
Six, I especially cherish our Jewish friends and neighbors. I remain grateful to my predecessors, especially Cardinals Cooke, O’Connor, and Egan, who laid the foundation of strong ties with the Jewish community. From day one they’ve whispered to me, “You’re our archbishop, too!” Without their help, never could we have repaired the cathedral, nor would our schools and charities be as vibrant. I’ve been at home in their temples, kitchens, and living rooms. I love them and am honored to stand with them.
Seven, Mayor Koch again: “For close to 150 years, two women have embraced the immigrant arriving here in New York: Lady Liberty, and Mother Church.” Thanks, Your Honor! As the acclaimed new mural in the entrance of St. Pat’s radiantly proclaims, we are a city, a nation, a church of the immigrant!
Eight, even the press has been gracious! Upon appointment here I was warned, “Look out for the TV, radio, and newspaper reporters. They have it out for the Church.” Well, there may be a couple snotty ones, but are they ever few and far between. I have gotten to know the media, and they tell me they’ve come to know me, and I have a lot of fondness for them, and deep gratitude that they were interested in learning the Church’s perspective on the issues confronting our city, state, and nation.
Nine, you think that’s a surprise! Get this: I’ve even found the politicians usually warm and helpful! Mayors Mike Bloomberg, Bill de Blasio, Eric Adams, and Zohran Mamdani, Govs. David Paterson, Andrew Cuomo, and Kathy Hochul, Sens. Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, representatives, legislators…I found almost all our political leaders fair. Sure, we’ve had knock-down-drag-outs on issues dear to me — justice for kids in our schools, the baby in the womb, the immigrants, the poor — but, we still talk, civilly and constructively .
Ten, I love our cops, firefighters, emergency workers, physicians and nurses. They are New York at its best. It’s no wonder to me that, in the spectacular new mural in St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the images of our first responders have generated the most comment and emotion from viewers. To be at the funerals of cops and firefighters who have lost their lives in the line of duty has broken my heart; to observe them so generously in the line of duty has elevated my soul.
“Regrets? I’ve had a few, but then again, too few to mention.” So, thanks, New York! I love you and am proud to be one of you. That’s why I’m sticking around as a neighbor. That’s why I’m sure glad the Nuncio didn’t listen to me 17 years ago when I tried to talk him out of coming here! God bless!
Dolan has been the Catholic archbishop of New York since April 15, 2009. His final day is on Friday, when he will be succeeded by Ronald Hicks.
