Cardinal Dolan back in Milwaukee for lecture series
MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Cardinal Timothy Dolan, formerly Milwaukee's Archbishop, was back in Milwaukee on Thursday, September 5th.
Dolan was in town for the 10th annual Pallium Lecture Series at the Milwaukee Theater -- something he launched while Archbishop of the Milwaukee Archdiocese back in 2003.
"What a magnificent setting. This reminds me almost of the Sistine Chapel. This reminds me of Radio City Music Hall," Dolan said.
Dolan was Archbishop here from 2002 until 2009, and whenever he returns to the area, he is able to draw a crowd.
Over 1,000 people turned out for a Mass with Dolan at Holy Hill in April, and Thursday night's event is sold out, with about 4,000 people claiming tickets by early August.
"My nearly seven years here were extraordinarily happy ones, and I don't mind telling you that I miss you very much," Dolan said.
Since leaving for the Archdiocese of New York, Dolan has been elevated to Cardinal, and his name has been discussed as a possible successor for Pope Benedict.
"He's very true to Catholic teaching, in our opinion, and he's just someone we admire and trust," Elaine Mullin said.
It does not appear Dolan's visit Thursday has anything to do with the Archdiocese's ongoing bankruptcy proceedings or the clergy sex abuse cases during Dolan's tenure.
Instead, Dolan is expected to speak with Catholics in Milwaukee about spiritual renewal and the identity of the church.
"It's an opportunity for everybody to reset and say 'this is what the church is really about. This is the type of pastor that has the greatest impact. This is the kind of shepherd of a flock that will really guide any community, whether it is New York, Milwaukee, or the church universal -- will guide them through any tumultuous times,'" Catholic Memorial High School Principal Father Paul Hartmann said.
In the last 10 years, the lecture series has brought in various Archbishops, authors and theologians.
Milwaukee Archbishop Jerome Listecki led a prayer service during the lecture series.