Honoring Cardinal Anthony J. Bevilacqua upon his retirement after fifteen years of faithful service and leadership as Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

WHEREAS, On December 8, 1987, it was announced that Pope John Paul II had appointed Bishop Bevilacqua as Archbishop of Philadelphia. His installation took place on February 11, 1988. Three years later, on May 29, 1991, Pope John Paul II announced that Archbishop Bevilacqua’s elevation to the College of Cardinals would take place in a consistory on June 28, 1991; and

WHEREAS, Since coming to Philadelphia, Cardinal Bevilacqua has made spiritual renewal of the faithful a priority and has undertaken an active pastoral ministry. He regularly visits parishes and schools throughout the Archdiocese, as well as people of all faiths, through his visits to state hospitals, prisons, Christian churches and synagogues; and

WHEREAS, Cardinal Bevilacqua was the first and only Cardinal in the world to host a live weekly radio call-in program, entitled

Live with Cardinal Bevilacqua,

which aired on WZZD-AM in Philadelphia from 1995-2000. Further, Cardinal Bevilacqua received his Doctorate in Canon Law in 1956; a Masters Degree in Political Science in 1962; and a degree in Civil Law in 1975 and is admitted to practice as a civil lawyer before the Courts of New York State, the Courts of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and the United States Supreme Court; and

WHEREAS, Cardinal Bevilacqua firmly believes that “Being constantly kind is important,” that “The day-to-day encounters are where the real history is written,” that “One tiny, little act can change a whole life,” and is one to whom young children are drawn by his natural kindness, and who predicts “A resurgence of thoughtfulness and charity to others in the new millennium; now therefore

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we hereby honor Cardinal Anthony J. Bevilacqua upon his retirement after fifteen years of faithful service and leadership as Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Cardinal Anthony J. Bevilacqua, as evidence of the sincere sentiments and gratitude of this legislative body, for his leadership, spiritual and moral guidance, and dedication to the citizens and Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

End