Blog - April 2010 RSS Feed

Here we go again! Anyone who does not believe that “history repeats itself” has only to take a look at the unfortunate new law in Arizona. Throughout American history, whenever there is tension and turmoil in society — economic distress, political rifts, war, distrust and confusion in culture — the immigrant unfailingly becomes the scapegoat.

Last night I had the privilege of visiting Park East Synagogue in New York to assist in the unveiling of a plaque honoring the historic visit of Pope Benedict XVI to Park East Synagogue during his 2008 visit to New York.

Syria and Lebanon? Hardly two countries I would have pictured visiting after Easter! I have to admit that was my first reaction upon hearing the proposal from Monsignor Robert Stern, one of our great priests of the Archdiocese, who serves as Executive Secretary of the Catholic Near East Welfare Association (CNEWA) , a most respected organization assisting our Eastern Rite Catholics in the lands of the Bible of the Mideast.

As most of you probably know, Mayor Ed Koch is the former Mayor of New York City, having served three terms during the 1970’s and 1980’s. After my appointment to New York last year, I quickly learned that Mayor Koch is not merely one of the most respected and influential New Yorkers, he is one of the most loved and admired as well.

Today, my good friend Archbishop José Gomez was appointed by our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, to be the Coadjutor Archbishop of Los Angeles. This means that when Cardinal Roger Mahony retires Archbishop Gomez will immediately succeed him.