Archbishop Timothy Dolan, courtesy of beliefnet

The National Catholic Reporter quotes Fr. David O’Connell, president of the Catholic University of America, as saying about Archbishop Timothy Dolan: “If the part of archbishop of New York could ever be scripted…Dolan would really be cast in that role.”  Having lived in New York, and knowing Archbishop Dolan a little myself, I see what he means: such an outgoing, larger-than-life character definitely has what it takes to shine on the outsized stage of the Big Apple.  As they say, if he can make it there, he can make it anywhere, and I’m sure he will do just fine.

But we don’t need to forget that Archbishop Timothy Dolan is a true native son of St. Louis.  Born and raised here, he was also ordained here, spent several years in parish ministry here (starting at Immacolata Parish), and has served as vice rector of Kenrick-Glennon Seminary,…

Archbishop Timothy Dolan

Milwaukee Archbishop Timothy Dolan was named archbishop of New York by Pope Benedict XVI Monday.

Dolan, the 59-year-old St. Louis native, has been rumored to be Benedict’s pick to head the most prominent diocese in the U.S. for months.

“My brother bishops, priests, religious women and men, seminarians, committed Catholics of this wonderful Church,” Dolan said in a statement, “I pledge to you my love, my life, my heart, and I can tell you already that I love you, I need so much your prayers and support, I am so honored, humbled, and happy to serve as your pastor.”

The St. Louis Archdiocese’s interim leader, Bishop Robert Hermann, said Dolan “has been a stellar priest…”