Church leaders from New York and New Jersey praised Bishop Dennis Sullivan after Pope Benedict XVI announced his assignment to the South Jersey faithful.
“Our Holy Father has chosen one of the finest bishops I know to be bishop of Camden,” said Cardinal Timothy Dolan, archbishop of New York, under whom Bishop Sullivan most previously served as vicar general for the Archdiocese of New York.
“As vicar general, (Bishop Sullivan) has been my right hand, and I came to rely on his vast and intimate knowledge of the parishes, priests, religious and people of the Archdiocese of New York,” Cardinal Dolan said, adding that he “always generously shared with me his wise counsel and insights, based on his more than 40 years of priesthood.”
“One thing I came to expect above all else from Bishop Sullivan was that he would approach every situation with the heart and mind of a pastor, always asking how we can do more for the people, and reminding us that the church is not the chancery or a building, but the people of God.”
“While I know that Bishop Sullivan will be missed in this archdiocese that he has superbly served, the people of Camden will quickly come to know and love their new bishop, as he comes to know and love them in return.”
Cardinal Edward Egan, Archbishop-Emeritus of New York, preceded Cardinal Dolan and consecrated Bishop Sullivan as bishop in 2004.
Cardinal Egan called Bishop Sullivan’s appointment “a singular blessing for the people of God of (the Diocese of Camden),” and praised the new bishop of Camden, who “served with extraordinary distinction as pastor, auxiliary bishop, and vicar general” in New York.
Noting that the two worked together at the Catholic Center and lived at the Cardinal’s Residence at the same time for many years, Cardinal Egan said that Bishop Sullivan’s “total commitment to the clergy, religious, and faithful of the archdiocese, especially those of Latin American and Asian heritage and those most in need, was always a source of genuine inspiration and admiration as well.”
“I look forward to assisting Bishop Sullivan in any way I can over the years that lie ahead, particularly through my prayers for him and the people he will be shepherding.”
Archbishop John J. Myers of Newark said that Bishop Sullivan’s “vast experience as a priest and pastor in both urban and suburban parishes, as well as his extensive understanding of diocesan administrative issues gained as vicar general of the Archdiocese of New York, are well known.”
“So too are his devotion to and fervor for bringing the Gospel of Jesus Christ to all the faithful – both native-born and immigrant. His talents, including his fluency in Spanish, and his ardor will be a blessing to the people of the Diocese of Camden in the years ahead.
“I look forward to working closely with him as he begins his new ministry.”
Bishop David M. O’Connell of Trenton, offered his “congratulations, prayerful support and best wishes” to Bishop Sullivan.
“I am delighted to welcome our new neighbor to the south. Bishop Sullivan brings with him incredible talent and skill and a proven record of pastoral leadership. I know that the clergy, religious and faithful of the Diocese of Camden will warmly welcome him and that he will quickly become a much beloved shepherd for them.”
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