Some people are afraid to talk about the Catholic Church’s core teachings, especially those relating to the sanctity of human life and the protection of marriage. But look what could happen when someone does.’,’In his homily at his installation Mass as Archbishop of New York (April 15), Archbishop Dolan received a spontaneous standing ovation when he came to this part in his homily:

–The Resurrection of Jesus goes on in our apostolate for the struggling, searching, and marginalized, as thousands of those closest to Christ’s Sacred Heart-the hungry, homeless, sick, troubled, and immigrants–find solace and help in our Catholic charities and healthcare. Conscious are we of former Mayor Ed Koch’s observation that the Catholic Church is the glue that keeps this city together . . . and, and . . . the Resurrection goes on, as His Church continues to embrace and protect the dignity of every human person, the sanctity of human life, from the tiny baby in the womb to the last moment of natural passing into eternal life. As the Servant of God Terrence Cardinal Cooke wrote, “Human life is no less sacred or worthy of respect because it is tiny, pre-born, poor, sick, fragile, or handicapped.” Yes, the Church is a loving mother who has a zest for life and serves life everywhere, but she can become a protective “mamma bear” when the life of her innocent, helpless cubs is threatened. Everyone in this mega-community is a somebody with an extraordinary destiny. Everyone is a somebody in whom God has invested an infinite love. That is why the Church reaches out to the unborn, the suffering, the poor, our elders, the physically and emotionally challenged, those caught in the web of addictions.

In talking with someone who was at the Mass, I learned that the standing ovation went on for several minutes. It’s a beautiful thing and the response demonstrates how hungry people are to hear these fundamental truths defended.
For more on the Archbishop’s installation, vespers in particular, check out this article by Kathryn Lopez.