Archbishop announces intention to restore faith, unity in Newark

NEW JERSEY
New York Daily News

BY
LARRY MCSHANE
NEW YORK DAILY NEWS
Saturday, January 7, 2017

Joseph Cardinal Tobin was installed Friday as the new head of the Archdiocese of Newark, replacing his oft-criticized predecessor with a deft display of humility.

Tobin, chosen by Pope Francis to serve as shepherd to the flock of 1.5 million New Jersey Roman Catholics, told 2,000 worshippers in the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart that the task ahead was challenging.

“It is a daunting proposition, not because of the size, rich history or wonderful diversity of this portion of the vineyard,” said the 64-year-old cardinal.

“Rather, the appointment reminds me the stakes are incredibly high, for if we permit the chasm between faith and life to continue to expand, we risk losing Christ, reducing him simply to an interesting idea or a comforting, nostalgic memory.”

Tobin replaces departing Archbishop John Myers, who alienated many New Jersey Catholics with his perceived mishandling of sex abuse cases involving priests and the construction of his posh $500,000 retirement home.

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