After a funeral, it’s good manners to write a note of appreciation to those whose company, courtesy, and condolences were so consoling during the time of mourning.

Can this serve as one big thank you to all who “rose to the occasion” of our beloved Cardinal Edward Egan’s passing last Thursday?

This archdiocese and city he so loved were at their best!

From Father Douglas Crawford’s (his secretary) care at the moment of death, to the professional and personal attention of our renowned rescue responders, police officers, and emergency personnel at NYU-Langone Hospital;

To the reverent interest and reporting of the media, coordinated…

The following is the homily for Cardinal Edward M. Egan’s funeral Mass delivered by Cardinal Dolan.

“We adore Thee, O Christ, and we bless Thee!

Because by Thy Holy Cross Thou hast redeemed the world!”

“Dying He destroyed our death!

Rising, He restored our Life!”

With these ancient confessions of faith ringing in our ears, we assemble with faith in this magnificent cathedral of Saint Patrick to commend our beloved Edward Michael Cardinal Egan to the mercy of the Lord from whom he came and to whom he now returns.

For it is indeed faith which summons us here. This funeral Mass, our Catholic wisdom…

On Monday, October 12, I had the privilege of celebrating Mass in honor of Christopher Columbus, prior to the annual Columbus Day Parade. These parades – the Pulaski Day Parade, the Hispanic Day Parade, the Columbus Day Parade – have been new and joyful experiences for me. I am especially happy that these parades are preceded by prayer, as people come to Saint Patrick’s Cathedral for Mass, to thank Almighty God for all of His blessings.

A number of people asked me for a copy of my homily from the Columbus Day Mass, which can be found here: