In his first public appearance as the new archbishop of Baltimore, Edwin O?Brien said he will continue his predecessor?s efforts to increase religious vocations and support for struggling Catholic schools in the nation?s oldest diocese.
The Vatican Thursday confirmed O?Brien?s replacement of Cardinal William Keeler, who has led Baltimore?s half-million Catholics for nearly two decades. Seated side-by-side Thursday at a news conference in the Baltimore Basilica, both noted a decline in priests and said O?Brien ? currently the archbishop for the military services and the former rector of two seminaries ? has a particular passion for recruiting new ones.
“There wasn?t a day in my life I didn?t want to be a priest and not a day in my life I?ve regretted it,” said O?Brien, 68.
Keeler said he is feeling “OK” after undergoing surgery last month to remove fluid in his brain. He submitted his resignation to Pope Benedict XVI when he turned 75 in March 2006, in accordance with canon law, and said he plans to remain in Baltimore to work on renovations at the basilica.
O?Brien will officially assume the position Oct. 1. A Bronx, N.Y., native, O?Brien said he grew up in a mostly Jewish community and was drawn to the Church through a parish school.
Those who know O?Brien through the military, including Naval Academy Chaplain Father Aidan Logan, said the cleric keeps his colleagues focused on their duties amid war.
“So often you fall into the trap of being social workers,” Logan said. “We?re there primarily to be priests.”
Catholic officials said Baltimore could be considered a promotion for O?Brien, noting the diocese?s history. Diocese spokesman Sean Caine said clerics are eager to serve Baltimore for its lack of “insurmountable challenges.”
And as far as vocations go, Caine said Baltimore is enjoying a historic year, with 15 young men entering formation this fall ? the most Keeler has seen in his 18 years.
But both Keeler and O?Brien acknowledge other challenges remain, including Catholic schools ?where enrollment is down nationally by 160,000 over the past three years. Keeler identified the priest abuse scandal as the “low point” of his service.
O?Brien flashed traces of a quick sense of humor. Asked why he was selected for Baltimore, he jokingly offered to give a reporter the pope?s phone number.
“Maybe they were just short on candidates,” he said.
At a glance
Archbishop Edwin O?Brien
» Age: 68
» Hometown: Bronx, N.Y.
» Ordination as priest: May 1965
» Assignments: Archbishop for military service; former auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of New York; rector of two seminaries; chaplain at West Point and in Vietnam
» Episcopal motto: “I will give you shepherds”
