Sharing in a laugh at the installation Mass are, from left, Msgr. Andrew E. Martin, Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York, Msgr. James R. Tracy and Msgr. Peter M. Joyce.
Photo by James A. McBride
The appointment and installation of a new bishop is a solemn occasion, but Bishop Dennis Sullivan’s arrival in the Camden Diocese has had light-hearted moments. Virtually anyone who spoke into a microphone – from seminarians to cardinals, and including the bishop himself – joked about a native New Yorker making South Jersey his new home. And even the announcement of Pope Benedict XVI’s retirement became material for jokes.
– Seminarians for the Camden Diocese asked only three simple things from their new bishop, said seminarian Matt Corbett: to pray for them, to guide them, and to give up all allegiance to the New York Giants, Rangers, Yankees and Knicks. (Reception)
– Referring to Pope Benedict XVI’s announced retirement, Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York said that when the pope heard Bishop Sullivan was safely in South Jersey, he decided, “Now that Camden is taken care of, I can rest.” (Installation Mass)
– Referring to news of the pope’s retirement, Bishop Sullivan said he heard the radio announcement of “breaking news from the Vatican.” He said he wondered if they were taking his appointment back. (Press conference Feb. 11)
– Referring to speculation surrounding the upcoming conclave, Bishop Sullivan said to Cardinal Dolan, “I hear you are going to be pope. You are on all the lists.” (Installation Mass)
– When presenting Bishop Sullivan with a print of Caravaggio’s painting “Call of St. Matthew,” Bishop Joseph Galante noted that Bishop Sullivan has commented that Matthew has a “Who, me?” expression on his face as Jesus calls him. Bishop Galante then said to Bishop Sullivan, “I hope you never have to say, ‘Why me?” (Installation Mass)
– Speaking of living and working with Bishop Sullivan, Cardinal Edward M. Egan, retired archbishop of New York, said, “This is a man who can work and play, dance and sing. Wait till you hear him sing. The Irish songs are endless. That is the only negative thing.” (Installation Mass)
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