April 30, 1991

Dear Friends:

I have always found the hands of Divine Providence in particular events and circumstances in my life. When Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. died on April 4, 1968, the same day as that of the anniversary of the death of the Franciscan, Saint Benedict the Black (*see note below), I perceived that God was saying something to me and to the entire Church. Similarly, when I presided at the burial of the saintly Franciscan nun, Sister Thea Bowman, on April 4, I felt the link between her life and ministry and that of Dr. King and Saint Benedict the Black. Providence at work again.

On Wednesday, April 24, I opened the Clergy Day on Stewardship with a selection from the Office of Readings from the feast of the Capuchin Franciscan Saint Fidelis of Sigmaringen. Shortly after that prayer, I returned a phone call to the Apostolic Pro-Nuncio, Archbishop Agostino Cacciavillan, from whom I learned that the Holy Father had appointed me the Archbishop of Atlanta. In that Reading, which was taken from a eulogy on Saint Fidelis by Pope Benedict XIV, I heard words which would direct my episcopal ministry in the archdiocese of Atlanta. About Saint Fidelis Pope Benedict wrote:

He practiced the fullness of charity in bringing consolation and relief to his neighbors as well as strangers. With a father's love he embraced all those who were in trouble. He supported great numbers of poor people with the alms he had collected from every quarter.

"With wealth collected from the powerful and from princes, he comforted widows and orphans in their loneliness. He was always helping prisoners in their spiritual and bodily needs. He showed constant zeal in visiting and comforting the sick which he would win back to God and prepare for their last struggle.

"The most outstanding example of this meritorious way of life occurred when the Austrian army, stationed in the area of Raetia, was almost totally destroyed by an epidemic. To show compassion he used to bring food for the weak and the dying."

"In addition to this charity, he was faithful in truth as well as in name. His zeal for defending the Catholic faith was unsurpassed and he preached it tirelessly. A few days before he shed his blood to bear witness to his preaching, he gave his last sermon. These are the words he left as a testament: 'O Catholic faith, how solid, how strong you are! How deeply rooted, how firmly founded on a solid rock! Heaven and earth will pass away, but you can never pass away. From the beginning the whole world opposed you, but you mightily triumphed over everything. This is the victory that overcomes the world, our faith. It has subjected powerful kings to the rule of Christ; it has bound nations to His service.

"What made the holy apostles and martyrs endure fierce agony and bitter torments, except faith, and especially faith in the resurrection?"

"What is it that today makes true followers of Christ cast luxuries aside, leave pleasures behind, and endure difficulties and pain? It is living faith that expresses itself through love. It is this that makes us put aside the goods of the present in the hope of future goods. It is because of faith that we exchange the present for the future.'"

I am convinced, my sisters and brothers, that in these words God was at work in my soul and was revealing to me the core of my teaching and the heart of my episcopal service: service to the poor in a spirit of mercy and justice and zeal for promoting the Catholic faith.

I wish to take this occasion to express my deep appreciation to the laity, religious, clergy of the archdiocese and the staff of the Catholic Center. The care, collaboration, and cooperation I have experienced since my arrival in the Archdiocese has been unparalleled. Brother priests, I am particularly indebted to you, and I am profoundly grateful for your support and your generous spirit of fraternity.

I send special greetings and extend profound appreciation to my brother and friend, Archbishop Marino, whose devotion to this portion of God's flock has been unfaltering. In the name of our presbyterate and all the people, I assure him of our unending affection and prayers.

I came to the Church of North Georgia with a keen awareness of the people and local churches that formed, supported, and directed my life and with a conviction that my family, and my African-American and Franciscan background were essential pieces in the mosaic of my priesthood. Thus, I remain deeply indebted to my brother and sisters and extended family network. I am also grateful to my colleagues at Padua Franciscan High School (1967-1968), to the people of Saint Augustine Church, in Memphis (1968-1977), and to the Grambling State University and St. Benedict the Black Newman Center communities (1977-1979). When I was appointed the auxiliary bishop of Cleveland, in 1979, I found first in Cardinal Hickey and later Bishop Pilla, along with their auxiliary bishops and staff, qualities of mentorship and fraternity that have shaped my episcopal service. At the same time, I learned so much from the Christian Faithful of the Diocese of Cleveland. I am profoundly appreciative.

Finally, I thank our Holy Father, Pope John Paul II, who has entrusted me with the pastoral care of the Archdiocese. I assure him of my fidelity and love.

(*St. Benedict the Black, 1526-1589, was born in Sicily, the son of African slaves. A lay-brother who could neither read nor write, he nevertheless attained high office within the Order, and was known for his sound judgement and great sanctity. Canonized in 1807, he was soon adopted by the African-Americans of North America as their special patron.)