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CROTON FALLS, N.Y. - To St. Joseph's Catholic Church Msgr. James R. Moore, it was never a question of whether New York Archbishop Timothy Dolan would be elevated some day to cardinal, it was just a matter of when.
So when it was announced Friday by Pope Benedict XVI that Dolan, 61, was one of 22 priests who will be named a cardinal in a Consistory on February 18, Moore wasn't taken off guard.
"It really wasn't a surprise to me," said Moore. "He has been an inspiration to many people for many years and became a friend to everyone, not just Catholics, but people of every religion. He's a remarkable individual and I'm so happy for the diocese."
Moore, who leads a parish of approximately 2,800 families in the North Salem and Somers area and will be celebrating his 45th year as a priest later this year, said he served as a consultant to Dolan when he replaced Cardinal Edward Egan in February 2009.
"I think he really took the place by storm. He has a great mind and just a winning personality," Moore said. "It's a nice way that Rome looks upon New York. It's really something special."
Dolan said he was "honored, humbled and grateful" to be chosen by Pope Benedict XVI.
"This is about an affirmation of love from the Pope to a celebrated archdiocese and community, and a summons to its unworthy archbishop to serve Jesus, His Church universal, His vicar on Earth, and His people better," Dolan said in a written statement.
St. Joseph's Catholic Church is in the midst of building a new church, which Moore noted would be the first constructed under Dolan as archbishop. He's looking forward to Dolan visiting the parish when the new building is dedicated.
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