SAN DIEGO — Individuals who worked with Cardinal Robert W. McElroy share their thoughts on his impact on the Church in San Diego and Imperial counties, and on them.
‘A Place for Mercy and Love’
For the past four years, I have served as a member of Cardinal McElroy’s Pastoral Council and the Synod Commission for the Diocese of San Diego. What a joy and honor it has been to work alongside some of the brightest and most influential Catholics in our diocese on critically important efforts that are just now beginning to bear the fruit of synodality.
However, accomplishments aside, what will remain in my heart from this experience is Cardinal McElroy’s pastoral way, which I have observed and experienced. Even in a large audience or crowd, when the Cardinal becomes aware of one broken heart, he is drawn to minister to that person with kindness and compassion. When he encounters someone who is dubious or has misunderstood something he has said, he engages and gently clarifies while seeking understanding rather than acquiescence. And when he sees a community suffering or under attack, Cardinal McElroy gets proximate, he accompanies. I believe he seeks the truth and courageously speaks it for those who cannot.
Our Cardinal operates from a place of love and mercy that often goes unnoticed, but is beautiful to observe.
In Cardinal McElroy, the Diocese of San Diego was blessed with a good shepherd to guide us and guard us—a shepherd who smells of his sheep.
Scripture quote when I think of the Cardinal:
“Kindness and truth shall meet; justice and peace shall kiss. Truth shall spring out of the earth, and justice shall look down from heaven” (Psalms, 85:11-12).
_Kate Albrandt, member of Diocesan Pastoral Council
‘Brought Dignity to Everyone’
Cardinal Robert McElroy has made our San Diego region grow in faith, kindness and trustworthiness.
It has been such an honor for me, as the District Attorney for San Diego County who is charged with the responsibility of safeguarding the 3.3 million people in our region from crime and violence, to work closely with Cardinal McElroy to make sure that the most vulnerable amongst us are served.
Cardinal McElroy instituted the first partnership with the D.A. in our nation to assure crime victims in our refugee and immigrant community know that they are protected under our laws through an informational multilingual campaign.
Cardinal McElroy also launched the first in our nation partnership with my office to train the entire diocese in spotting and reporting child abuse and human trafficking.
Cardinal McElroy’s heavenly light shined on our region and brought dignity to every human being, no matter their background or circumstances.
On a personal note, as a Catholic, I was guided by his example and had the peace of knowing that I was one of the many that Cardinal prayed for, and it helped me make decisions that are grounded in humility, mercy and justice.
San Diego and I will forever be thankful that we had this man of God in our midst.
Cardinal McElroy exemplifies Matthew 25:40:
“And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.’”
_District Attorney Summer Stephan, San Diego County
‘Embodies Accompaniment’
After Jesus’ resurrection, two disciples were walking to Emmaus, confused and discouraged. As they journeyed, Jesus joined them, engaging in conversation — asking questions, listening attentively, and revealing Himself through the breaking of the bread. Their hearts burned within them as He opened the Scriptures to them, showing that truth is revealed through dialogue, reflection, and openness to God’s presence.
In this same spirit of encounter and communion, Cardinal McElroy has made an incredible impact in the Diocese of San Diego, answering Pope Francis’ call to a synodal Church — one that truly listens with an open heart and embraces dialogue.
From parishioners, youth, clergy and the marginalized, all were invited to participate in the synod, ensuring that every voice was heard at the diocesan level and were presented to the Universal Church.
Wasting no time, Cardinal McElroy has initiated new efforts as the result of the synodality, such as the Women in Leadership Advisory Committee and Re-imagining Parish Life and Leadership in a Synodal Church. His leadership embodies the spirit of accompaniment and renewal, reminding us that the Church is at its best when it listens, dialogues, and allows the Holy Spirit to guide its path.
As a young woman serving in the Vietnamese Eucharistic Youth Movement, I am deeply moved and honored that Cardinal McElroy recognizes the importance of youth and ensures that our voices have a place at the table.
Through his unwavering commitment to synodality, he has transformed the Diocese of San Diego into a more participatory and united community of faith. We are truly blessed by his leadership and deeply grateful for all he has done—and will continue to do—for the Church.
_Vi Salazar, Member of the Diocesan Synod Commission
‘Wonderful Pastor’
In the early 2000’s, I attempted to recruit the pastor of St. Gregory’s parish in San Mateo, Father Robert W. McElroy, as the founding Dean of University of San Diego’s new School of Peace Studies. After visiting the campus and considering a new ministry in the academy, he gently turned me down, saying, “I really love being a pastor.”
In 2015, our local Church received a wonderful pastor who has blessed us abundantly. Without abandoning his scholarly pursuits, he has been courageous, loving, and effective as an advocate for the poor and vulnerable. In his preaching and teaching ministry, he has promoted the Catholic intellectual and spiritual life of our diocese; supported its educational institutions and parochial programs; and engaged clergy, laity, and faculty of the Franciscan School of Theology to form and educate our future priests.
He returned from the global Synod, eager to promote greater opportunities for the laity, especially for women, to use their many gifts on behalf of the Church’s shared mission. We have been, indeed, blessed by this good shepherd, and we are grateful.
Scripture when I think of the Cardinal:
“I am the good shepherd, and I know mine and mine know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I will lay down my life for the sheep” (John 20:14).
_Mary E. Lyons, Ph.D., president emerita, University of San Diego
‘Made Me Feel at Home’
I feel honored to say that Cardinal McElroy ordained me a bishop for the Diocese of San Diego. I recall when I arrived in San Diego as auxiliary bishop-elect, it was a Monday afternoon and I was coming from a small diocese in the state of Washington with so many questions. I was nervous and I did not know what to expect. However, when I arrived at the San Diego airport baggage claim, Cardinal McElroy was already waiting for me and immediately made me feel welcome and at home.
I encountered a gentle and kind shepherd who knows his flock and as Pope Francis says, “knows from within the life of God’s People their joys and hardships, their resources and their needs” and who wants everyone to be counted, no matter who they are or where they come from.
Cardinal McElroy has impacted my ministry by being a synodal bishop. In the short time that I have collaborated with him in the mission of the Local Church in San Diego, I have witnessed a shepherd who despite his status in the Global Church welcomes input and is eager to listen to everyone. His actions are a reflection of his dependence on the Holy Spirit, and his discerning heart keeping the goodwill of the Church and its people as his priority.
I feel extremely blessed to have ministered and collaborated in furthering the mission of the Church with Cardinal McElroy.
_Auxiliary Bishop Felipe Pulido, Diocese of San Diego
Not a ‘Boss’
Every once in a while, Cardinal McElroy will pop into our offices to say hello and check in. He will ask about how the young people are doing in ministry, and more times than not, our answer is busy, busy, busy, which would spark a conversation about upcoming events.
Anyone who has worked in the Office for Youth and Young Adult Ministry can tell you that the road accompanying young people has not been easy, but it is good work. Cardinal McElroy’s leadership and genuine interest in the wellbeing of young people has been what drives ministry with young people further.
Cardinal McElroy has supported our diocesan leadership camp, Camp Emmaus, which has been continuing to grow again after 2020.
In late 2019, the Young Adult Synod concluded. It has been five years since then, and we have witnessed the fruits of those proposals, with many parishes across the Imperial Valley and San Diego now hosting their own young adult ministries.
On average, our office hosts 17 to 20 events a year, all with Cardinal’s vision as a guiding post for why we have them.
“But God has so constructed the body as to give greater honor to a part that is without it,
so that there may be no division in the body, but that the parts may have the same concern for one another. If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it; if one part is honored, all the parts share its joy” (1 Cor 12:24-26).
A few weeks ago, I was sitting in Mass and this reading was a reminder of Cardinal’s servant leadership. He is not a “boss”; he walks with his flock. Those of us who were blessed to work with him know that he checks in — and is intentional about it. He makes it known that we are not individual parts of a body, but we are one body.
_Maricruz Flores Strauss, director of the diocesan Office for Youth and Young Adult Ministry
Cardinal ‘Helped Me Thrive’
On the last day of April 1975 was when my family left Vietnam after the collapse of Saigon. We were war refugees. That year was a Holy Year. In that dark night at sea, I wondered about God’s will for us, the Vietnamese people.
We arrived in San Diego the same year and found refuge both socially and spiritually at Mass and at the various churches. Holy Family Parish in Linda Vista would become our home parish.
It is now 2025, also a Holy Year. I have come to appreciate the Church of San Diego and its mission increasingly over time. In San Diego, thanks to the vision and the works of Cardinal McElroy, I find the larger Vietnamese community of San Diego thriving. The Church is not just a place of refuge, it has become a place where one can thrive. For me personally, the works of Cardinal McElroy have helped me thrive spiritually.
I have witnessed the wonderful results of the various communities in San Diego coming together, where we share our faith in the Church and in God on Pentecost’s “Gather as One” celebration.
I am most reminded of the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12) when reflecting on the Church of San Diego’s mission, under the care of Cardinal McElroy. “Blessed are the poor … Rejoice and be glad …”
_Giai Do, past president, Vietnamese Catholic Community
‘He United Us’
The cardinal ordained me as a deacon in 2017, and I have officiated and participated in various Masses with him. He is a person totally open to the Spirit, open to listening to everyone else. He is totally exemplary, with the gift of transmitting the word of God.
He’s a great communicator, always focusing on the word of Christ, on love and mercy. He has a charisma that he transmits to others, inspiring great confidence in him.
He taught us to be really united, to participate in the Body of Christ, that we all live in the same vine, regardless of our different ideologies.
In the Imperial Valley, he brought us together a lot. He taught us that we were not a parish in Brawley or one in El Centro; that we were one single community in Christ. It was incredible. And that’s what we have lived.
_Deacon Alberto Moya, Sacred Heart Parish, Brawley
‘He welcomed the missionaries’
During the last ten years of his leadership as the Bishop of San Diego diocese, Cardinal McElroy has made a significant impact on the Local Church of San Diego and Imperial Valley.
His views on immigration reflected greatly the priorities promulgated by Pope Francis. The Diocese of San Diego, under his leadership, ministered and cared for large numbers of migrants through the involvement of Catholic Charities. Cardinal has been greatly involved in advocating for the poor and marginalized highlighting the social teachings of the Catholic Church.
He has been an advocate of environmental support through energy and ecology programs. In line with Pope Francis’ encyclical “Laudato Si’”, Cardinal has promoted ecological responsibility and sustainability efforts within the diocese.
His leadership fostered a sense of unity within diversity in the diocese. This was emphasized by the importance he gave to synodality, making our diocese a listening and inclusive Church to the diverse voices and cultures.
“He brings things to the level of the ordinary people through his personal touch and approachability, enabling the person to express the talents in a simple and effective way,” commented Joy Chan, from our Missions Office.
It was also very visible in choosing the theme of interculturality for the annual convocation and prayer days for the clergy last year.
Cardinal has been very strong and clear in his mission approach. He welcomed and encouraged the missionaries from around the world to share their mission stories with our Local Church creating our mission involvement tangible. We have been able to implement his idea of support and assistance to the missions and at the same time to be a transparent church.
Addressing the clergy abuse crisis has not been an easy task. Under his leadership, the Diocese of San Diego has taken steps to improve transparency and accountability in handling clergy abuse cases, working toward better protections of minors and vulnerable adults. The decision to file for Chapter 11 has been one such great act.
Cardinal’s leadership has been transformative and inclusive, fostering a sense of unity and addressing contemporary challenges faced by the community. His open-mindedness toward issues relating to society, people and faith has been much appreciated.
“We will miss his simplicity and sense of humor,” said Sister Eva Rodriguez.
His dedication and commitment to the social causes, pastoral and synodal Church will leave a lasting legacy in our diocese.
“I can do all this through him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13).
This scripture passage represents Cardinal, his submission and dependence on the will of God and at the same time carrying out the mission entrusted to him.
_Father Soney Sebastian, SVD, director of the diocesan Office for the Missions
‘Lifted up the Voices of Most Vulnerable’
Cardinal McElroy’s leadership and guidance opened many doors for our diocesan social ministry to engage with Catholics and other community members throughout San Diego and Imperial counties.
The Cardinal’s vision for synodality and building synodal parishes will have a lasting, positive impact for the People of God in San Diego.
Cardinal supported and resourced our ministry to engage and lift up the voices of the most vulnerable members in our communities, most notably the incarcerated, the homeless, the newly arriving immigrant, and the unborn child.
Cardinal McElroy will be missed in San Diego, and we feel confident that his legacy of pastoral leadership, wisdom, and compassion will continue to thrive in our diocese and the ministries we serve and support.
_Robert Ehnow, Ph.D., director of the diocesan Office for Life, Peace and Justice
‘Most Pastoral Priest I have Ever Known’
I was the Augustinian provincial for 13 years, 2007 to 2015 and 2019 to 2024.
Cardinal McElroy was the ideal diocesan bishop for a religious community in his diocese. He saw the Augustinians as valued co-workers on our shared pilgrimage to heaven. I personally have witnessed him to be the most pastoral priest (not just bishop) I have ever known.
He manifests the message of 1 Peter:1-2: “So I exhort the presbyters among you, as a fellow presbyter and witness to the sufferings of Christ and one who has a share in the glory to be revealed. Tend the flock of God in your midst, [overseeing] not by constraint but willingly, as God would have it, not for shameful profit but eagerly.”
_Father -Gary Sanders, OSA, former provincial of the Province of St. Augustine in California
‘Fostered Dialogue’
ADL San Diego extends its sincere appreciation to Cardinal McElroy for his steadfast support of our interfaith efforts with the Diocese of San Diego.
Over the years, his leadership has been instrumental in fostering dialogue between our communities and strengthening our partnership against antisemitism and hate.
Through initiatives like co-hosting the ADL Bearing Witnes Summer Institute for Catholic Educators and participating in Interfaith Passover Seders, the diocese has significantly enhanced understanding and connectedness between the Catholic and Jewish communities.
As Cardinal McElroy embarks on his next mission, we wish him the best of luck and look forward to seeing the positive impact he will continue to make.
_Fabienne Perlov, regional director, ADL San Diego
‘Fearless and Unwavering’
In the last decade, the Diocese of San Diego has prospered in many ways. Our Local Church has greatly benefitted from Cardinal McElroy’s collaborative and consultative leadership and vision for a Church on mission, who listens, and is called to action.
This was accomplished through three diocesan synods, “Amoris Laetitia” (2016), “Christus Vivit” (2019), and “Synodality” (2021).
Cardinal McElroy’s shepherding is zealous, fearless, and unwavering. He invited all the faithful to a deeper more intentional understanding of being in communion with one another. His sense of understanding of the signs of the times on a universal level, allow for the pastoral application at the local level of how we must journey together as one holy, Catholic and apostolic Church.
Elevating the role of women in the administration and decision-making process within the Church has been one of his outstanding marks throughout his tenure. He appointed women to key roles in diocesan administration, such as Chancellor, Chief Financial Officer, and Superintendent for Schools. The role of women in Church leadership, though prominently present on various levels of ministry and professional office, continues to be further explored through a Women’s Advisory Committee commissioned by Cardinal McElroy.
The diversity of our Local Church has always been dear to Cardinal McElroy’s heart. His pastoral outreach to the changing needs of the communities in both San Diego and Imperial counties have left a lasting mark.
Cardinal McElroy has sown the seeds of the Gospel. We must now continue to till the soil and allow them to grow.
Thank you, Cardinal McElroy for your guidance and may the Holy Spirit be with you!
_Marioly Galván, chancellor and director of pastoral ministries
‘Served as Bright Light’
During his tenure as Bishop of San Diego, Cardinal McElroy’s impact upon the work and teaching of Creation Care has been incomparable. His embrace of this ancient aspect of our faith and willingness to apply it to today’s environmental crisis has served as a bright light, offering leadership through example throughout the U.S. Catholic Church.
Cardinal McElroy began his time in San Diego just as Pope Francis’ encyclical, “Laudato Si’: On the Care of Our Common Home,” was published. Through his encouragement, over half the parishes and many schools implemented solar energy systems, greatly reducing our overall contribution to climate change. The diocesan Pastoral Center also added a solar array, which provides over 80 percent of all electricity used in the building.
In 2022, at Cardinal’s direction, the diocese totally divested from fossil fuels, the first in the nation to announce such an action. That same year, a full-time associate director was added in the Office of Life, Peace and Justice dedicated to Creation Care.
Beginning with the understanding of creation as a gift, Cardinal McElroy often uses stories to illustrate the beauty of our world and the tragedy of our estrangement from God when we allow self-centeredness, greed, and desire for convenience to disrupt the harmony of our common home. Through the care of creation, Cardinal McElroy argues we begin to heal this rupture and return to a right relationship with our Creator, our sisters and brothers, and all the created world.
_Christina Bagaglio Slentz, associate director for Creation Care in the diocesan Office for Life, Peace and Justice
‘Commitment to Human Dignity’
Cardinal McElroy is known for his deep commitment to human dignity and care for our common home through the principles of “Laudato Si”.
His leadership and service have been a blessing to the University of San Diegeo and our greater San Diego community, and I am personally grateful for his friendship.
On behalf of the entire USD community, I offer my congratulations on his appointment as Archbishop of Washington and send our prayers and deep gratitude.
_James T. Harris III, president, University of San Diego
‘Transformative Initiatives’
The Office for Evangelization and Catechetical Ministry has been significantly influenced by Pope Francis’ vision of being a synodal church. This vision, championed in the Diocese of San Diego by Cardinal McElroy, has led to a series of transformative initiatives that have positively impacted all our areas of ministry.
Two of the most recent initiatives were to collaborate with the Office for Schools to embark on a three-year process to offer formation in faith and science, targeting middle school and high school students within our areas of ministry.
Also, we have provided courses to equip our parish leadership to be more welcoming to families, especially to those who have children with special needs.
Our primary focus is listening to the needs of our communities and striving to meet them. We are a synodal church that journeys with the San Diego and Imperial Valley communities and values each of our constituents.
This Bible verse came to mind when I think of what we are doing as a diocese under Cardinal McElroy’s leadership:
“Let brotherly love continue. Do not neglect hospitality, for through it some have unknowingly entertained angels” (Hebrews 13: 1-2).
_Leticia Trent, director of the diocesan Office for Evangelization and Catechetical Ministry
‘Thinks Outside the Box’
I had the opportunity to work with Cardinal McElroy in a number of capacities representing the Franciscans and the Franciscan School of Theology. What I appreciated most about him was his willingness to think outside the box. Whether one was trying to solve pastoral problems or advance the Gospel and the Catholic Intellectual Tradition, one found a listening ear in Cardinal McElroy. I believe Cardinal McElroy was always trying to move us toward dialogue at a time when many were retreating to their comfort zones.
I enjoyed meeting in his office and seeing what he was reading. I often picked up these books and found a challenge to put things in perspective.
There may be present difficulties, but as the prophet Jeremiah promises us, “We have a future full of hope” (Jer 29:11).
I believe Cardinal McElroy did much to shape that future here in San Diego as we had synods on young people and synods in our parishes.
He helped us at the Franciscan School of Theology as we tried to propel the Franciscan Movement forward through speaking at our conferences and embracing the environmental concerns of Pope Francis so rooted in the patron saint of ecology, St. Francis of Assisi. Cardinal McElroy often spoke eloquently about the importance of the founder of our Order.
I was most touched by a priest who told me that he received a call from him on Christmas Eve. He was wondering what the problem was, but Cardinal McElroy just wanted to check in on him at a busy time of year. In his more than 30 years of ministry, this had never happened before. We will miss Cardinal McElroy’s humanity.
_Father Garrett Galvin, OFM, president/rector of the Franciscan School of Theology
‘Great Servant Leader’
Cardinal Robert McElroy is the most compassionate servant leader that I have ever met.
Working with him these past four years has been an extraordinary experience. I was blessed to be asked to be on the diocese’s Pastoral Council.
His leadership, and compassion was exemplified in how he led our diocese through the uncertainty and challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, and how he worked with pastors as we came out of it to bring the people of God back to the source and summit of our faith: Eucharistic celebration.
Cardinal McElroy brings us closer to God by his example of leadership, his extraordinary teachings and by being a loving missionary disciple of Christ.
Cardinal McElroy exemplifies synodality in everything he does. He listens attentively, encourages participation, and leads us to that continuous conversion to become missionary disciples walking together in this journey of Faith.
I was privileged to be involved as coordinator for St. Jude’s Synod Re-imaging Team and have been blessed to learn so much from Cardinal McElroy, and have come closer to Christ, and to our Church.
Cardinal McElroy is a patient, thoughtful, compassionate, and intelligent disciple of Christ that has been a great servant leader for our San Diego Diocese. He emanates the presence of Christ. We know that God is calling him to serve the People of God elsewhere. We will miss him.
Scripture that comes to mind:
“But Jesus summoned them and said, ‘You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and the great ones make their authority over them felt. But it shall not be so among you. Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant. Whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave. Just so, the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Matthew 20: 25-28).
_Irma Covarrubias-Lugo, St. Jude Shrine of the West Parish
‘Never Felt So Cared For’
Cardinal McElroy came to our diocese in 2015, and straight away began to get to know the priests of the diocese. Some mentioned to me that they had never felt so cared for and seen.
In the same year, my husband, Michael Akong, and I founded Pax in Familia, an international ministry dedicated to peace, and to the prevention of violence in Catholic families.
In preparation to speak at the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia, I wrote a book called “How can we help to end violence in Catholic families? A guide for clergy, religious and laity.”
Cardinal McElroy recognizes the severe threat that intimate partner violence presents to families here and throughout the world. He had just arrived in our diocese, but he was kind enough to grant my book the Imprimatur. Since then, he has been an invaluable help in our ministry.
Apart from his spiritual and moral support, Cardinal McElroy assisted us in our petition for African Episcopal Conferences, through the USCCB’s Solidarity Fund for Africa, to receive funding for our eight-week teaching trip to Africa in 2018.
He also provided a video introduction to our online course, “Violence and Abuse in Catholic Families: Preparing an Effective and Compassionate Pastoral Response,” in 2022.
We will greatly miss him, and the example he has given us of listening to the Holy Father and his teaching on synodality, while bringing it to bear fruit in our diocese.
I am proud of the work of Catholic Charities to help immigrants and refugees that Cardinal McElroy has promoted and expanded.
As a diocese, we can stand gratefully and humbly before Jesus when he says, “I was a stranger, and you welcomed me.”
This Scripture comes to mind: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed,
to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord” (Luke 4, 18-19).
_Dr. Christauria Welland, Pax in Familia, Founder and Director
‘Dedication to Social Justice’
When I think of Cardinal McElroy, the Scripture passage that comes to mind is from the Gospel of Matthew, specifically Matthew 25:35-40. This passage emphasizes the importance of caring for others and seeing Christ in every person we encounter: “I was hungry, and you gave me food, I was thirsty, and you gave me drink, I was a stranger, and you welcomed me… Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.”
This passage aligns with Cardinal McElroy’s dedication to social justice and compassion and his tireless work advocating for the marginalized and promoting peace and reconciliation. It reflects his commitment to embodying the values of mercy and hospitality in his ministry.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Cardinal McElroy was crucial in mobilizing Catholic Charities to respond to the crisis. He asked me, “What can we do?” This question led to the rapid establishment of the Emergency Food Distribution Network Plus (EFDN+), which began on April 6, 2020. Initially composed of 21 parishes, the network distributed food to low-income families and homebound individuals. The number of households served grew from 2,500 in the first week to 10,000 by the fourth week, and the network continues to serve those who are food insecure.
Cardinal McElroy’s commitment to social justice is also evident in his support for immigrants and refugees. He recently created a Diocese Immigration Task Force to strategize and plan for any upcoming issues the immigrant community might face.
Furthermore, Cardinal McElroy’s influence extended to fostering interfaith relations and collaboration. For instance, he facilitated meetings and discussions with leaders from other faith communities, such as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the Episcopal Diocese, to explore areas of cooperation and support for Catholic Charities.
Cardinal McElroy’s leadership has been marked by a compassionate and proactive approach, ensuring that Catholic Charities continues to fulfill its mission of serving the poor, vulnerable, and marginalized in the San Diego and Imperial Valley region.
_Vino Pajanor, CEO, Catholic Charities Diocese of San Diego
‘Embodies God’s Mercy’
Whether I presented Cardinal McElroy with a detailed proposal for a diocesan liturgy or confessed a liturgical malfunction, he would, without fail, softly utter, “That’s fine!” And it was.
Even after the shocking Ash Wednesday Mass mishap when I had precariously placed bare, curly willow branches in the sanctuary of the Pastoral Center chapel. For, as Cardinal passed by, the branches seemingly grabbed onto his chasuble and held on tight. The entire assembly gasped as the tree was dragged behind Cardinal as he crossed the sanctuary. But, “That’s fine!” There was no reprimanding; he merely thanked the server that rescued him from the tree.
This simple “That’s fine!” was puzzling to me until Pope Francis declared a Jubilee Year of Mercy. Pope Francis called us to “contemplate the mystery of mercy. It is a wellspring of joy, serenity, and peace … the bridge that connects God and man, opening our hearts to a hope of being loved forever despite our sinfulness.” (Bull of Indiction of the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy, Francis Bishop of Rome, Servant of the Servants of God.)
It finally came clear to me that Cardinal McElroy was the embodiment of God’s gentle, yet powerful mercy. This undeserved mercy flowed from God through Cardinal and on down through the Pastoral Center staff. “That’s fine” was soon said by many, yet more importantly, it became our way of proceeding. There was a contagious sense of mercy in our interactions. And it truly was fine! Until it wasn’t…
One day, immediately after an ordination, Cardinal, observing that the sanctuary was filled with only men, declared that all future diocesan liturgies were to include women servers and women in diocesan leadership seated in the sanctuary. This reflected Cardinal’s ongoing respect and inclusion of women on the diocesan Curia, and in many leadership positions.
I am personally grateful to Cardinal for giving me the opportunity to serve the Diocese of San Diego and to be the recipient of his mercy. Both have been a tremendous blessing that I will always treasure. Cardinal, be assured of my prayers as you follow God’s call to Washington.
_Noreen McInnes, director of the diocesan Office for Liturgy and Spirituality
Engaging All Members of the Body of Christ
St. Paul’s passage in 1 Corinthians 12:12-30 that was proclaimed at Mass on Jan. 26 comes to mind as a suitable expression of the episcopal ministry of Cardinal McElroy in the Diocese of San Diego for the past ten years.
St. Paul speaks about the indispensable contribution that each person makes as a member of the Body of Christ.
For me, this characterizes the priority Cardinal McElroy gave in seeking the participation of everyone. Examples of how he lived this in his ministry include the first synod he conducted on marriage and family life, then the synod on young adult ministry, and then the diocesan-wide conversation in our parishes on synodality.
From the very beginning, Cardinal McElroy sent a clear signal that this was going to be his approach. When he first came to San Diego in early March 2015 for the announcement of his appointment as the bishop of San Diego, Cardinal McElroy had a meeting with several diocesan officers and the pastor of St. Thérèse of Carmel Parish to plan the Mass of Installation. He also invited administrative assistants from the diocese and the parish to attend. It became apparent as the meeting unfolded that Cardinal McElroy wanted them there not just to take notes on decisions made, but also to solicit their input in the decision-making process. Right away, I realized this was a bishop who was going to include as many people as possible in making decisions for the good of the Local Church. I know he will do the same in his new ministry in the Archdiocese of Washington.
_Msgr. Steven Callahan, judicial vicar on the Diocesan Tribunal and pastor of St. Brigid Parish in Pacific Beach
Gift of Great Communicator
I had the privilege of coordinating the publication of Cardinal McElroy’s writings — his statements, messages and letters — in our diocesan website, news publications and social media. And I had the privilege to hear his homilies, from Pala to San Ysidro to Calexico.
I am in awe of how he is able to communicate complicated concepts, carefully building one idea on top of another, telling a cohesive story that you have no choice but embrace.
In preaching, his tone is always welcoming, not lecturing. He often uses movie characters to illuminate human frailties and how it’s possible to emerge as the hero of the story if we follow the example Jesus set for us.
He often tackles big topics — such as justice, the “magnificent diversity” of our community, and the urgency of protecting creation — and urges us to act as people of faith.
At a Mass on June 7, 2020, for African American Catholics following the murder of George Floyd, this is what he said:
“If our love for Jesus Christ, hanging on the cross, is to have meaning for us as people of faith, it must compel us to move dramatically and unceasingly to end the institutionalized suffering which the African American community has endured all throughout our history as a people. We cannot simply pass by in silence, as the crowd did while our Lord was crucified.”
More recently, at a prayer service on Feb. 9 to support undocumented immigrants:
“We come together and pray and proclaim our faith; that the rights of every man, woman and child are inviolate. And that when our society violates those rights, we must speak up with clarity. We understand that God created all of us. We are all children of our God. When misery, fear and terror are unleashed upon the land, we cannot stay silent.”
Amid the nonstop, conflicting voices in the nation’s capital, my hope is that the faithful and those without faith truly listen to the Cardinal’s words.
This passage reminds me of Cardinal: “But some seed fell on rich soil, and produced fruit, a hundred or sixty or thirtyfold. Whoever has ears ought to hear” (Matthew: 13, 8-9).
_Aida Bustos, Director of Diocesan Media
‘Empowering Leadership Style’
Cardinal McElroy impacted my ministry in this Local Church in a powerful and enabling way! His support and affirmation both of myself and the women religious of the diocese greatly assisted my moving into this ministry with confidence, joy and enthusiasm. Such is his empowering, pastoral leadership style!
Respected throughout the country by women religious, he is deeply appreciated by our sisters. His belief that women are to be included in Church leadership is demonstrated by his appointments/decisions. His support for inclusion of women in the diaconate is well known.
He supported the establishment of a Sisters Council for the diocese and met annually with the Council. Eager to hear the voice of the sisters, he regularly made himself available to the women religious. His annual Appreciation and Jubilee Celebration is a highlight of our year.
Cardinal McElroy holds St. Francis of Assisi in high esteem in part due to his radical message regarding the poor, the planet and peacemaking. A description of St. Francis strikes me as most applicable to our servant leader and brother, Cardinal McElroy: One who is “swift to forgive, slow to grow angry, free in nature, remarkable in memory, subtle in discussing, careful in choices, simple in everything, as well as kind, discerning and very humble.”
Thank you, Cardinal McElroy!
_Sister Kathleen (Kathy) Warren, OSF, director, diocesan Office for Women Religious
