By Rita McInerney

His intentions to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ as the new archbishop of Atlanta were voiced by Bishop Eugene A. Marino at a press conference March 15.

“I come to be bishop of the archdiocese of Atlanta. I come to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ…to bring good news to the poor and the poorest are those who do not know Jesus Christ,” he replied in answer to the first question in which he was asked to explain his personal theology.”

Proclaiming the good news to the poor, the archbishop-designate said, “Must be supported by visible witness; through education, advocacy, and works of service. I see myself proclaiming through appropriate works.” But first, he said, “I need to learn the situation of our Church here.”

The archdiocese, he added, “will continue to address the great social issues of our times.”

“I will try as quickly as I reasonable can to come to know our local church. We will continue to address the needs as they are already being addressed. My move is to continue and, if possible, to expand” such efforts.

As the first black archbishop of the U.S. Catholic Church, would he become the de facto spokesman on civil rights, was one question put to him.

“I don’t know that I’ll become the Catholic Church spokesman. But in Atlanta, as the only black archbishop, I would certainly expect people to look to me to address issues of a social concern and civil rights. The Church has structures of responsibility, but as a black man and a leader within the Church I would not shirk the responsibility to proclaim the Gospel.”

“I don’t like labels,” Bishop Marino replied to the question as to whether he intended to be an activist leader. “I am not one to dodge issues. At the same time I’m not one to go out and look for issues for issues sake. I don’t see Jesus as one who goes out of His way to address needs or to avoid addressing needs.”

The archbishop-designate expressed the hope that his appointment “would be seen as a great sign of hope to all of our people, also to all men and women of good will. The Church recognized the wealth within its ranks. My appointment is a great sign of hope to all minorities.”

The 1984 letter of the black bishops, “What We Have Seen and Heard,” Bishop Marino said, called “our sisters and brothers to works of evangelism, to reach out with the Gospel challenge…Catholics are a small minority within the black community and we feel this is a good time to come forward with gifts to enrich the Church.”

The black tradition is a rich tradition he continued but “it is not a tradition which enriches the Catholic Church unfortunately. But we feel being Catholic is something special.”

His first responsibility will be to the Catholic community, he replied in answer to a question on how we would approach ecumenical relations. “But I certainly intend to reach out to sisters and brothers in the community.”

He expects, he said, to continue the “friendly collaboration” he has experienced working with the Washington Interfaith Conference. “I look forward to working with all religious leaders” in Atlanta he said at the conclusion of the 20-minute press conference.

Monsignor John F. McDonough, diocesan administrator, introduced the bishop to the newspeople gathered in the Hyland Center.

A short time later, Bishop Marino celebrated his first Mass at the Cathedral of Christ the King. The usual assembly of parishioners was augmented at this 12:10 p.m. Mass by the eighth grade class at Christ the King School, Catholics from other parishes around the archdiocese, several people from the chancery offices, and television and newspaper people.

As Mass began, Bishop Marino introduced himself to the congregation, told them of his great joy at being appointed by Pope John Paul II to lead the archdiocese and asked them for their prayers.

Concelebrating the Liturgy were Father Richard Kieran, administrator of the cathedral, Father E. Peter Ludden, chancellor of the archdiocese, and Father Mario DiLella, O.F.M., Catholic chaplain at Georgia Tech.

Father James A. Schillinger served as master of ceremonies for Bishop Marino. Deacon Dick Narey proclaimed the Gospel and Don Caron, a seminarian for the archdiocese, gave the reading and responsorial.

Altar servers were Roddy Jones, Philip Warren and Teddy McGee, of the eighth grade at Christ the King School. The other members of the class filled the front pews, accompanied by their teacher, Judy Wood.

The bishop spoke briefly after the Gospel reading, speaking of his gratitude to the Holy Father for “putting this great confidence in me.” He spoke of how he was looking forward to serving the priests and the people of the archdiocese and in continuing to perform the works of the Church in the archdiocese.

“It is the Lord who chooses us to embrace the ministry of His son Jesus. I come here because I believe the Lord has chosen me to serve here…I come in full confidence that in spite of my weakness, human sinfulness and limitations, you will receive me in your charity, love and prayers. I believe you will serve with the same love and support you have given Archbishop Donnellan and Hallinan. I know we can reach out and continue to build the community of faith, hope and love that is the church in Atlanta.”

The happiness of the congregation was expressed in the warm round of applause given Bishop Marino at the end of Mass, and in the friendly words of welcome spoken to him as he stood in the brisk wind and bright sunshine.