12/13/02

This year has marked a most difficult time for the Catholic Church and in particular, for the Archdiocese of Boston. I know this has been an extremely painful time for many people, especially victims of abuse. During these past months, I have been praying for the Catholic people of Boston and also for my brother Cardinal. I know that he cares very deeply for the people of his Archdiocese.

Cardinal Law is someone I have known for a long time. From his early days in the civil rights movement to more recent efforts to foster dialogue with other denominations, Cardinal Law has always worked diligently for the oppressed and the less fortunate. The crisis of the past year has overshadowed Cardinal Law's lifetime of good works. His resignation is a sad moment for the Catholic Church in this country. I will miss him but understand his decision, for the good of the faithful of the Archdiocese of Boston, to resign as part of the healing process in this crisis.

The Holy Father has appointed the Most Reverend Richard Lennon, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Boston, as Apostolic Administrator. My thoughts and prayers are with Cardinal Law, Bishop Lennon as well as the laity and religious and clergy of the Archdiocese.