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Statement
by "When Archbishop Gabriel Montalvo, Ambassador of the Apostolic See to the United States, contacted me with the information that our Holy Father, Pope John Paul II, had determined to appoint me to be Archbishop of Newark, I responded that I was surprised, honored, and humbled. That remains my reaction. I am deeply grateful for the trust which the Holy Father has shown. In a letter to him I stated that I could undertake this office in the great Archdiocese of Newark only by relying on the grace offered by the Good Shepherd of all, the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and the help of my brother bishops and priests, especially those in the Archdiocese. "It is a special honor for me to succeed Theodore Cardinal McCarrick, a great servant-leader in the Church for whom I have deep admiration and sincere friendship and affection. I also wish to greet and acknowledge Archbishop Peter Gerety, who served before him. "My profound thanks go to Bishop Paul Bootkoski, who has served as Administrator, and to the other bishops, priests, religious and staff of the Archdiocese and the many fine institutions here. I look forward to getting to know you, to working with you, and to serving you. "This is quite a change for all of us – especially me. I am very much a priest and bishop of the Midwest, and I deeply love the Diocese of Peoria, which has always been my home. The change will take some time, but I am confident that we will grow in friendship and in love. "It occurred to me that Peoria and Newark have some things in common. For example, both are west of the Hudson River and east of the Mississippi River! More important, both are characterized by good people and good priests who have a deep faith and a deep love for the Church. It will be a great adventure as we follow the Lord with trust into the 21st Century. Surely He will help us to do the part He intends for us in His great plan for the human family." Contact:
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2000 News Releases |