Blog - September 2012 RSS Feed

This morning, I offered my testimony on Chief Judge Lippman’s proposal to expand civil legal aid on behalf of the poor. Here is a copy of my remarks. Chief Judge Lippman; Presiding Justice Gonzalez; Judge Prudenti; Bar Association President James; neighbors united in the notable cause of justice and service: I come this morning very grateful for the chance to promote an initiative I consider crucial and promising for this city and state I am now proud to call my earthly home; I come with deep admiration for the prophetic leadership of Chief Judge Lippman, encouraged by other esteemed jurists like Judge Gail Prudenti and Mr. Thomas More; as well as our own Catholic Lawyers Guild.

In this homily, Cardinal Dolan reminds us of Jesus teaching about the “utter horror of sin.”

Last week, the New York Times published a column and an editorial about an incident at Saint Catherine of Siena parish. In response, Father Ray Rafferty, pastor of Corpus Christi parish, wrote a letter to the editor of the Times .

My brother bishop, Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio of the Diocese of Brooklyn, joins me in issuing this statement. Today is the feast day of St. Vincent DePaul , considered by many to be the “star” saint of Christian charity and concern for the poor.

This past weekend, the New York Times printed a story about a remarkable doctor in New York City who exhibits deep spiritual faith. Dr. Joseph Dutkowsky, an orthopedic surgeon specializing in the care of children, is an inspiration and  a wonderful role model to all.

We Catholics in New York enjoy the “high holy days” of our Jewish neighbors, and are inspired by the seriousness and sincerity with which they approach their feasts. Join me in wishing them God’s blessings on their special days!

My friend and brother bishop, Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio of the Diocese of Brooklyn, joins me in this blog post. Did you see the disturbing stories in the newspaper yesterday and today? The public schools of the City of New York have announced that they are providing so-called “emergency contraception” and long-term contraceptive injections to high school students as young as 14 years old.

I was happy to come across Fr. Raymond J. de Souza’s latest column about Fordham University’s “Humor, Joy, and the Spiritual Life” in The Catholic Register . Here is an excerpt: The laughter of redemption, the freedom of the redeemed!

One of the common refrains that I hear from parents is how tough it is to keep up with everything that is going on in the lives of their kids. My own brothers and sisters will sometimes roll their eyes, and with a deep sigh recite the litany of activities and events that keeps them and my nieces and nephews on the go – school and plenty of after school activities, homework, athletics, shopping at the mall, youth group at their local parish – the list goes on and on!

Tim Luecke, who is a student at Fordham University, created an animation for Friday evening’s event, “Humor, Joy, and the Spiritual Life.” He did such a great job. I would like to share it with all of you!

Tonight I was privileged to be at Fordham University in the Bronx for a special evening on “Humor, Joy, and the Spiritual Life” with TV host Stephen Colbert and Father James Martin, SJ. I had a great time, and it appeared that the more than 3000 people — mostly students — jammed into the Rose Hill Gymnasium had a great time as well.

“That old-fashioned, dusty, out-of-it, stuck-in-the-mud Church just has to get with it! She’s got to keep up with the times or she is going to lose folks!” How often have you heard that? I hear it at almost every reception, dinner, or meeting I go to, or read some version of it every time I peruse magazines, newspapers, and  blog-sites, or listen to radio or TV.

Today, I spoke at the Catholic University of America about international religious freedom. I would like to share a copy of my speech with you. Here is an excerpt: Today our focus is on threats to international religious freedom, but, as you are well aware, there are serious challenges to religious freedom within our own nation,  serious problems the Church faces in her life and mission in the United States — threats that could marginalize the Church and her educational, charitable and health care institutions.

Last night, I had the honor to speak at the annual John Carroll Society Lecture about religious freedom. I thought I would share a copy of my talk with all of you. Here is an excerpt: Thus, the defense of religious freedom is not some evangelical Christian polemic, or wiley strategy of discredited Catholic bishops, but the quintessential American cause, the first line in the defense of and protection of human rights.

Welcome back to school! Let me share with you my latest column from Catholic New York . Here is an excerpt: Our Jewish neighbors might have it right: their “new year,” as you know, begins in the fall.

In this homily, Cardinal Dolan reflects on the words of the prophet, Isaiah, from today’s first reading, “fear not.”

In his Labor Day homily, Cardinal Dolan meditates on how work cooperates with God’s plan for our salvation.

Here is the prayer that I offered tonight at the Democratic National Convention: With a “firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence,”  let us close this convention by praying for this land that we so cherish and love: Let us Pray.

In this homily, Cardinal Dolan reflects on the balance between our interior life and how we act in the outside world.