Many of the 1,200 people attending the opening ceremony of the Diocesan Sesquicentennial were impressed by the pageantry, moved by the history and eager to proceed into the next millennium after being a part of the historical celebration. The following are comments from some of those in attendance, gathered by staff writer Maureen McGuinness.
'I'm delighted and happy to be back in the Diocese where I was a priest for 25 years. It brings back memories of my ordination [at the Cathedral]. I remember the centennial 50 years ago. We [priests] had dinner at the Ten Eyck Hotel and a wonderful speech was given by the then-pastor of St. Teresa of Avila.'
Retired Archbishop Joseph T. Ryan, Archdiocese for Military Services and a native of Albany
'I'm happy to be part of this celebration. I was installed here [at the Cathedral] in May 1969 in a magnificent ceremony. It's nice to come back.'
Bishop Edwin B. Broderick, eighth Bishop of Albany
'It makes you think of your own years. [As a seminarian], I didn't think I'd be here, certainly not in this capacity. This is a special moment to come back. The Church at Albany is a vital Church with an extraordinary leader in Bishop Hubbard. A lot of us learned from this Diocese; it is a wonderful gift.'
Bishop Matthew H. Clark, bishop of Rochester and native of the Diocese
'I loved the history of the Diocese [presented during the service]. The music was beautiful; it was wonderful. For me, it ties in really well with the work of the clusters. The timing is perfect. It will really help us get in touch with other parishes.'
Beth Knight, St. Alphonsus parish, Glens Falls
'Now that I've been to this, I hope to go back and tell [other parishioners] and get them involved. The Bishop's homily was wonderful. I could listen to him forever. I hope I'm invited to the closing.'
Nancy Avon, St. Alphonsus parish, Glens Falls
'This surpassed my expectations. The history brought us together. It's not just me; I am a part of the Diocese. I plan on being more active with each of the celebrations planned for the Sesquicentennial. I wish more people could be here. I felt very nostalgic.'
Eva Pearce, parish council member, St. Mary's Church, Nassau
'I was surprised to hear about all of the bishops. I learned a lot, especially about McCloskey. I think this is what it would be like to be in heaven with the multitudes of people praying.'
Donna Ferlazzo, parishioner of St. Mary's Church, Nassau
'For me, this is a good beginning; a base for further programming. I look forward to Gathering '97. It was a good combination of history and our future, which I would like to keep alive in the deanery. It ties in nicely with the vision video [in which the Bishop offers his thoughts on the Diocese's future].'
John Sweeney, St. Helen's Church, Schenectady, and a member of the Diocesan Pastoral Council