GALA

Elegant Evening Marks Archdiocese's BICENTENNIAL

By John Woods

More than 700 guests traveled by ferry to the Ellis Island Immigration Museum for an elegant evening gala in celebration of the archdiocese's Bicentennial April 24. The black-tie gathering attracted many of the archdiocese's major donors as well as clergy, religious and lay employees.

Dignitaries included two mayors, Michael R. Bloomberg of New York City, who was among the speakers, and Philip A. Amicone of Yonkers. Also attending were New York City Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly and Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta.

With the archdiocese and the nation just a few days removed from the exhilarating visit of Pope Benedict XVI, Cardinal Egan naturally referred to it in his remarks. With a touch of pride, he noted that when the archdiocese was marking the 100th anniversary of its founding, Cardinal John Farley invited the 114th successor of St. Patrick, Michael Cardinal Logue, Archbishop of Armagh.

The papal visit included a Mass at Yankee Stadium in which the Bicentennials of the Archdiocese of New York and four other archdioceses were celebrated. Cardinal Egan said he is sure that those planning the archdiocese's 300th anniversary will have a tough act to follow.

"We were so happy to welcome the Holy Father here," he said. "New York is New York."

For his part, Mayor Bloomberg told the crowd that he will remember his participation in welcoming the pope to New York as "one of the highlights of my time as mayor."

The dinner program included the viewing of a short Bicentennial commemorative film that highlighted many of the "unsung heroes" throughout the archdiocese's 200-year history whose legacy of spiritual caring and commitment support the Church of New York today.

Harry Smith, host of CBS-TV's "The Early Show," was the master of ceremonies. Musical entertainment was provided by soloists Maureen O'Flynn and Matthew Polenzani. The St. Patrick's Cathedral Choir also sang.

The ferry ride home on the beautiful spring night was highlighted by a spectacular fireworks display over New York Harbor.

A total of $1.7 million was raised from the event, which was planned and organized by the archdiocesan Development Office under the direction of Helen Lowe.

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