Mass marks Cardinal Keeler's 50 years as priest, 25 years as bishop

Published: 2005-10-17

BALTIMORE (CNS) -- More than 1,200 cardinals, bishops, priests, deacons, seminarians, religious and laity filled the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen in Baltimore Oct. 5 to help Cardinal William H. Keeler mark the 50th anniversary of his priestly ordination and his 25th anniversary as a bishop. Joining the Baltimore archbishop for the celebration filled with joy and pageantry were Cardinal Anthony J. Bevilacqua, retired archbishop of Philadelphia; Cardinals Francis E. George of Chicago, Adam J. Maida of Detroit and Theodore E. McCarrick of Washington; retired Archbishop William D. Borders of Baltimore; retired Auxiliary Bishop William C. Newman; and Baltimore Auxiliary Bishops W. Francis Malooly, Mitchell T. Rozanski and Denis J. Madden. In his homily, Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan of Milwaukee said Cardinal Keeler has "moved us all by his kindness, courtesy, intellect and radiant goodness." Cardinal Keeler told the congregation after Communion, "I thank the Lord for my years of ministry, and I thank you for helping me celebrate the Lord's gift of the priesthood."

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