On the 25th anniversary of the death of Atlanta’s first archbishop, Paul J. Hallinan, The Georgia Bulletin requested Cardinal Joseph Bernardin of Chicago to recall the churchman who served as his bishop in Charleston, S.C., and whose auxiliary bishop he later became in Atlanta.

By Joseph Cardinal Bernardin

Twenty-five years ago – shortly before his death – I was saddened and honored by Archbishop Hallinan’s request that I preach his funeral homily. I was saddened because this was another reminder that he would soon leave us; honored, because it was a reaffirmation of the wonderful relationship which existed between us.

Toward the end of the homily I said:

--Archbishop Hallinan has left us a legacy which we must not forget. He saw more clearly than many of us the real challenges of our times. He understood that the renewal is more than a matter of external, superficial changes; that it is basically a change of mind and heart which is much more difficult to achieve. He was realistic enough to know we must have order; that without structure our human condition would become chaotic. But he also believed that structure was always intended to help people, to bring out the best in them and never to stifle them. By putting this conviction into practice in his own life, he opened the door of hope for many who otherwise would have been disillusioned or frustrated.

When I wrote the above, the post-conciliar period had only begun, and I personally had had very little experience. During the past quarter century, I have served as General Secretary and President of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops as well as bishop of two large archdioceses. Moreover, I have been intimately involved in a number of sensitive situations which have involved individual dioceses, our Episcopal Conference, and the Holy See. Now 25 years later, I am even more convinced that my evaluation of the Archbishop was correct.

Prophets never speak or are heard in a vacuum, for they are always very much a part of the historical moment in which they live. They share the same needs and the same hopes and aspirations as the people among whom they live and work. It is to these people that the prophets speak, bringing them the good news of all that God has done for them, giving them the hope needed to transform their human misery into joy.

Archbishop Hallinan’s voice was truly prophetic for the era in which he lived. He understood and accepted the challenges of his day because his vision was broad enough to encompass both the past and the future. As a result, his vision continued to influence the Church long after his death. The guidance and inspiration he gave me personally, both in Charleston and Atlanta, has been an important factor in my life and ministry. I am deeply grateful for the close relationship we enjoyed. He was teacher, counsellor, and friend to me. I remain very grateful to God for his wonderful gift to the Church, Archbishop Paul J. Hallinan. May we who cherish his memory continue to build a community of faith renewed according to the vision of the Second Vatican Council.