In the midst of reading A People of Hope by John L. Allen Jr which is for the most part a conversation with now Cardinal Timothy Dolan. I have been aware of him for many years as Susan/Hallel went to St Thomas with his neice, Erin, and she met him in Milwakee where he was an Archbishop there at that time. A month ago she was going to Rome to see him made a Cardinal, and I have yet to hear about that experience, but know that it was marvelous as all greater Church experiences are. I am growing in love and appreciation of this man, who is now in New York City, and is head of the Bishops Conference. I was reading a chapter before I took my afternoon rest - getting ready to work overnight. I found myself smiling a lot and laughing out loud at all the truth and joyful wisdom that he shares with all of us... His responce to whether his style reflects his midwestern roots?
"I never really comprehended what that meant until I went to Rome. We would often say at the North American College that you're sent to Rome to get a sense of the wider Church. You're comparing one another, and all the differences. Midwestern guys seem to have a reputation for practicality, kind of no nonsense 'Let's just get this done' attitude, hospitality, informality, and simplicity. I know when I went to Rome the guys always said that Dolan's the one who will have us in for a beer after pranzo, or if we want to get a card game or a party going. Dolan will do it. In my mind, it was just what my dad did in the backyard with the barbeque pit. The neighbors would have a good time. There did seem to be a real sense of hospitality, simplicity, informality, almost an 'aw shuks' sort of approach to life. Did I know that growing up? No, but as I look back now, that's probably a big part of who I am."
Cardinal Timothy Dolan
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