This week, the ugly face of terrorism once again hit our city with the explosion of a pipe bomb in Manhattan and the placement of several others in the tri-state area.
For years, law enforcement authorities have been asking the public to say something if they see something suspicious. It’s that strategy that limited the damage done by the madman (or men) who placed those bombs over the weekend.
We are living in a dangerous time when we all have to be alert of our surroundings and to report any suspicious packages or goings on in our neighborhoods.
It was the observation of one woman who reported the second bomb in Manhattan that led to its destruction. It was another individual who alerted police to the pipe bombs in Elizabeth, N.J., thus averting further harm.
And it was the first-rate work of our NYPD and federal agencies that quickly solved this particular situation.
Don’t underestimate the power of one person. Stay alert! If you see something, partner with the civil authorities and give them the information.
On This Rock
This past week, the Vatican hosted a program as it does every year for newly ordained bishops. Among those attending was our own Auxiliary Bishop James Massa and many other American bishops.
A meeting like this for all newly-ordained bishops is essential. Over 150 new bishops were in attendance. They learned that their ministry is, of course, to shepherd their local diocese, but they were reminded that they stand on the rock that is Peter. They are part of the Apostolic succession.
Pope Francis met with these new bishops and gave them solid advice: “The world is tired of lying spellbinders and, allow me to say, ‘trendy’ priests or bishops. The people sniff them out – they have God’s sense of smell – and they walk away when they recognize narcissists, manipulators, defenders of their own causes, auctioneers of vain crusades…” The pope urged these new bishops to be men of mercy, above all else.
Our Holy Father imparted to the bishops three recommendations for how to make mercy pastoral: be accessible, be tangible, and be capable of encounter. He urged them to be accessible to their people and to invite them to know God through “kindness, beauty, truth, love, and goodness.”
We pray for our bishops, especially our Brooklyn bishops. What Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio has to do as the chief shepherd of a very complex diocese is not easy. Like the father of a large family, he is asked to make some tough decisions for the benefit of all. He is aided by his auxiliaries, Bishops Raymond Chappetto, James Massa, Witold Mroziewski, Paul Sanchez, Octavio Cisneros, and Neil Tiedemann, as well as by our retired Bishop Thomas V. Daily, and retired Auxiliary Bishops Rene Valero and Guy Sansaricq.
We look to them for a spirit of courage and right judgment, a spirit of knowledge and love. By governing with fidelity those entrusted to their care, may they build the Church as a sign of salvation for the world.
