FEB. 5 letter to the Diocese criticizing  the provisions of ObamaCare health plan that would violate the conscience and rights of Catholics

MARCH 26-29 – Participates in  Pope Benedict XVI’s pastoral visit  to Cuba 

APRIL 7 – Baptizes 60 people of  Chinese descent at Easter Vigil at St.  John Vianney Church, Flushing

APRIL 22 – Announces plans to  petition the Vatican to name St. Joseph’s Church, Prospect Heights,  as the Co-Cathedral of the Diocese

MAY 2 – Announces the appointment of two new auxiliary  bishops – Raymond Chappetto and  Paul Sanchez 

JULY 11 – Ordains Bishops  Chappetto and Sanchez to the  episcopacy 

SEPT. 20 – Hosts conference “The  Manhattan Declaration Crosses  the River” on religious liberty at St.  John’s University 

NOV. 4 – In the aftermath of  Hurricane Sandy, celebrates Mass at  St. Thomas More Church and visits  Breezy Point and Belle Harbor 

NOV. 22 – Celebrates Thanksgiving  Day Mass at St. Rose of Lima,  Rockaway Beach, hard hit by Hurricane Sandy

DEC. 8 – Dedicates Regina Pacis  Church, Bensonhurst, as a Basilica