Tag Archives: Alexander Hamilton

Reflections on Mayor Koch « The Gospel in the Digital Age

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Reflections on Mayor Koch « The Gospel in the Digital Age.

Edward I. Koch

Introduction of Timothy Cardinal Dolan

Manhattan Institute – Alexander Hamilton Award Dinner

May 21, 2012

I am now in my 88th year.  Since my entry into politics and government service, I have had the privilege of meeting, working with, and becoming friends with four cardinals of New York – Terence Cardinal Cooke, John Cardinal O’Connor, Edward Cardinal Egan and the current cardinal, whom I have the honor of introducing to you this evening, Timothy Cardinal Dolan.

Before I make that introduction, allow me take a few minutes to comment on my friendships with his predecessors.

I was a congressman and then mayor when I first came to know Terence Cardinal Cooke.  Of the four cardinals I have known, he was the most beloved by the public.  He was a very gentle man and perceived early on as a saintly figure.  Indeed, Cardinal Cooke is currently being considered by the Vatican for sainthood, and I have given testimony in the Vatican’s extensive inquiry into such a designation.

Having nothing to do with his saintliness, but much to do with our friendship, I recall when Cardinal Cooke opened a Fifth Avenue door at St. Patrick’s Cathedral that had been closed for 100 years.  He asked me to stand with him when he unlocked the entrance.  As the sunlight poured through the open door, he said, “Mayor Ed, this cathedral belongs to you. ”  (I could never get him to call me Ed.  When he said “Mayor Ed,” I could hear the neighing of horses, there being a very popular television show at the time featuring a talking horse called “Mr. Ed,”) but at that moment, I did indeed feel as though the cathedral belonged to the cardinal and me.