Archbishop Thomas A. Donnellan pledged to serve those to whom he has been sent as he assumed his office as the second Archbishop of Atlanta.

His comment came during the day of installation last Tuesday when he greeted members of the Atlanta community at an installation banquet and public reception at the Mariott and thanked them for his warm welcome to Atlanta.

Earlier in the day, the 54-year-old archbishop had been officially welcomed to Atlanta and Georgia by Mayor Ivan Allen, Jr., Revenue Commissioner Peyton Hawes and Bishop Joseph L. Bernardin.

At the public reception, the new archbishop said the appointment of a new bishop is like the birth of a baby in a family. “Everyone in the family is happy, but wonders what kind of baby it will be.”

“It is with humility that I succeed Archbishop Hallinan, a man who was warm, good and holy...and I thank you for your warm welcome.” The archbishop received a telegram of congratulations from Arthur J. Hallinan of Cleveland, brother of the late archbishop.

In his installation homily at the Cathedral of Christ the King, Archbishop Donnellan said, “I am eager to share with you the dreams, the hopes, the burdens and the trials that constitute our common responsibility.”

“I come to Atlanta as its second archbishop at a time in history when the tide of changes is running strong; its swift current shaking an old order of ideas, ideals, structures, institutions and customs.”

Archbishop Luigi Raimondi, Apostolic Delegate to the United States, said at the Mass, “The Archdiocese of Atlanta marks this day with solemnity and joy. The occasion is most significant... - a new prelate, a new shepherd takes over the responsibility of directing, as Christ’s representative, this Christian community -- a community of faith, love and grace - along the pathways of the Gospel...”

“The task of the hierarchy today, and of the Church in general, is particularly a challenging, but at the same time it offers truly splendid opportunities. We must never forget that there is in the Church an indestructible principle of life and action, kept alive and operative by the Holy Spirit, capable of transforming both individuals and society.”

“This is the reason why the work of the Church is not so much the sum of human efforts of her members, but rather the mysterious and yet effective work of God to build and expand through human cooperation, His own kingdom.”

Archbishop Raimondi was the principal celebrant at the Mass along with bishops of the Province of Atlanta, priests of the archdiocese and two abbots.

Following the Mass, Archbishop Donnellan, former bishop of Ogdensburg, NY, was welcomed to Atlanta at an installation banquet.

Mayor Allen asked the new archbishop’s support in “helping us to shape the destiny of this country and Atlanta to an even brighter future.” He said he knew the archbishop would continue the voice of the Catholic Church.

Commissioner Hawes said, “As we grow in material greatness we call on your church and others to join in seeking God’s will for us, for unless we seek His will this nation will ultimately crumble.” Bishop Bernardin welcomed the archbishop and told him the Church of Atlanta is committed to the renewal called for the Second Vatican Council.

“Our people understand that the Church like any living organism, cannot stand still; it cannot remain static. And so they are constantly searching for new and better ways in which to present and to live out the Gospel message in their own daily lives.”

“But they do so with a deep faith in God, who through His Holy Spirit, ever guides the Church. They do so with an extraordinary loyalty to their shepherds whose task is to lead and to build up the Christian community.”

“They are, then completely open to the needs of the times. But they are also keenly aware of our tradition which gives meaning and stability to the present.”

Bishop Bernardin told Archbishop Donnellan he would also find a warm response from those of other churches and faiths. “Religious bigotry, by and large, is a thing of the past. Everywhere you turn you will find men of good will - cleric and lay alike - who are ready to join you in whatever is good for the cause of religion, whatever is good for God’s people, no matter who they are or where they are.”

“In welcoming you, I assure you archbishop, that it is not necessary to feel ill at ease because you are in an area where you have never lived before or because you are with people you have never known before. I have known you and the people of Atlanta long enough; I have know your personal qualities and theirs well enough, to be able to say to you: Simply be yourself and you will find a response here that will be overwhelming.”

In brief remarks, Archbishop Raimondi said the Church cannot be absent from the progress mentioned in earlier talks. “Some complain that the scientific and technological advanced farther than the spiritual. But we feel there is dramatic evidence that the spiritual aspects and aims must be in the forefront of this advance.”

In replying to the welcoming addresses, Archbishop Donnellan said, “Truly, and uncharacteristically, I am at a loss for words to thank God for the graces of the day, to thank the Pope, to thank Bishop Bernardin, to thank the priests, religious and laity, to thank my brother bishops and priests from Ogdensburg, to thank the mayor and Mr. Hawes, the clergy from other churches and my relatives and friends who rejoice with me.”

“With all of my heart, I pledge myself to those to whom I have been sent,” he commented.

At an airport press conference, the archbishop said he would carry out the directives of the Second Vatican Council in continued cooperation with other denominations. “We have an obligation to reach our brothers in other churches,” he said. “The division has been a scandal and all of us have the obligation to work for unity.”

Questioned about birth control, Archbishop Donnellan said, “I take my directives from the Holy Father who has said until there is a statement, persons should follow traditional views.”

Discussing the Pope’s recent Credo of the People of God, the archbishop said, “I approve of it and am glad he (the Pope) made it. His statement of principles will hinder the ecumenical movement and all parties must recognize beliefs of others.”

Archbishop Donnellan said he would work for civil rights, the liturgy and consult with priests and laity in carrying out the affairs of the archdiocese.

In reply to a question about selective conscientious objection, he said, “If a man feels that a particular war is morally wrong and he conscientiously objects to participating in it, he should refuse to fight. But he must be prepared to accept the penalty.”