Bishop delivered this paper to you

EDITORIAL

The death of Bishop Edwin B. Broderick (see pages 1 and 13-16) has occasioned many memories of his contributions to the Albany Diocese during his relatively short tenure of seven years.

The Evangelist cannot let his passing go by without noting that he might be the reason you have this newspaper in your hands right now.

Soon after becoming head of the Albany Diocese in 1969, Bishop Broderick saw the value in having his diocesan newspaper in the home of every Catholic every week.

He recognized the advantages as plentiful: ongoing adult education, constant communication with the faithful, up-to-date news of the Diocese and Church at large, and guidance in such essentials as Scripture and prayer, to name a few.

So Bishop Broderick inaugurated a "100-percent plan," the aim of which was to send The Evangelist into every Catholic home in the 14 counties of the Diocese, regardless of the level of religious activity in that home. It is a philosophy his successor, Bishop Howard J. Hubbard, has endorsed.

For active Catholics, the newspaper is a boost and means of continuing education. For inactive Catholics, it is a lingering connection to the Church that could ignite renewed faith.

The center section of this week's issue, therefore, isn't only a memorial to a former bishop. It is also a salute to our former publisher.

(7/13/06)