St. Anthony High School in Long Beach proudly welcomed home one of its treasured alumni Nov. 5: San Francisco Archbishop George Niederauer (class of 1954), who presided at a liturgy for alumni and students, and was inducted into the school's Hall of Fame. Concelebrating the Mass were Auxiliary Bishops Gerald Wilkerson (St. Anthony '57) and Alexander Salazar.
In his remarks at the end of Mass, Archbishop Niederauer noted that "love, care and attention made the difference" in his life, especially at St. Anthony. He named a number of teachers who had influenced him, especially Brother Gerald, who at 80 years old is still leading choirs, still calls him, and remains filled with "passion for us and passion for Christ."
"St. Anthony taught us of God's love for us," said Archbishop Niederauer. "The love of Christ is the heartbeat of this community."
Prior to the liturgy students wrote questions for the archbishop, which he answered with a smile and trademark humor. His favorite colors? "Purple and white" (St. Anthony's colors). Had he ever regretted becoming a priest or bishop? "I've never regretted becoming a priest." Is it hard to live your life for God? "It's hard for anyone. I didn't go shopping for a savior. God chose me." Had he ever played sports? "I marched in the band --- and now you know."
On hand for the event were a large number of St. Anthony alumni, especially from Archbishop Niederauer's class of 1954, which also included Cardinal William Levada, former San Francisco archbishop and now head of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (who was honored earlier this year at St. Anthony). Both (like Bishops Wilkerson and Salazar) were ordained priests of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles from St. John's Seminary, Camarillo. ---Sister Nancy Munro, CSJ |