New York has a new shepherd...

I watched the Installation Mass of New York's Archbishop Timothy Dolan. Right from the start, you can clearly tell where he stands on the issues:

The Resurrection of Jesus goes on in our apostolate for the struggling, searching, and marginalized, as thousands of those closest to Christ's Sacred Heart-the hungry, homeless, sick, troubled, and immigrants--find solace and help in our Catholic charities and healthcare. Conscious are we of former Mayor Ed Koch's observation that the Catholic Church is the glue that keeps this city together . . . and, and . . . the Resurrection goes on, as His Church continues to embrace and protect the dignity of every human person, the sanctity of human life, from the tiny baby in the womb to the last moment of natural passing into eternal life. As the Servant of God Terrence Cardinal Cooke wrote, "Human life is no less sacred or worthy of respect because it is tiny, pre-born, poor, sick, fragile, or handicapped." Yes, the Church is a loving mother who has a zest for life and serves life everywhere, but she can become a protective "mamma bear" when the life of her innocent, helpless cubs is threatened. Everyone in this mega-community is a somebody with an extraordinary destiny. Everyone is a somebody in whom God has invested an infinite love. That is why the Church reaches out to the unborn, the suffering, the poor, our elders, the physically and emotionally challenged, those caught in the web of addictions. (Emphasis mine. Rest of the homily is here.)

During this part of the homily, there was a thundering standing ovation for his clear defense of the unborn. Then another telling moment occurred. As the camera rolls back when everyone is applauding, there are two people in the corner of the screen that are seen just standing there silently with their hands folded in front of them. It was the Mayor of New York City Michael Bloomberg, and the Governor of New York State David Patterson. How sad that these two men will not stand up for what is clearly the right thing to do. Why will they not stand in defense of the most innocent of our population? Let us pray for these two politicians, and all others with authority will see that the "right to choose" is really not a choice at all, and ends in the murder of an innocent human life...

Let us also pray for Archbishop Dolan as he embarks on this new ministry! May he be an example and a light for those in his Archdiocese and beyond!

Blessings and peace dear brothers and sisters,
Dean

H/t to the Archdiocese of New York for the homily text and image.