Extraordinary priest and successor to the Apostles, champion of the Gospel of Life, collaborator of the Holy Father, tireless and loving defender of the poor and oppressed are all phrases which describe the more than 55-year apostolate of the eighth Archbishop of New York, John Joseph Cardinal O’Connor.

Born in Philadelphia over 80 years ago, the future Prince of the Church, John J. O’Connor studied for the priesthood at St. Charles Seminary for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, where he fulfilled various teaching assignments before entering the United States Navy as a chaplain in June of 1952. In that capacity he served around the world, including the North Atlantic, the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, Vietnam, Okinawa and throughout the United States. From 1975-79 he served as the Chief of Chaplains, returning home in 1979 with the rank of Rear Admiral. That same year, His Holiness, Pope John Paul II consecrated him Auxiliary Bishop to the Military Vicar, His Eminence Terence Cardinal Cooke, who named him Vicar General of the Military Vicariate. The Holy Father appointed him Bishop of Scranton in May of 1983, moving him very quickly, upon the death of Cardinal Cooke, to lead the Archdiocese of New York in 1984. He was elevated to the College of Cardinals the next year.

From that vantage point his influence has stretched around the world, serving the Church in numerous Vatican posts, most notably as a member of the Congregation for Bishops in Rome, in dozens of leadership roles with the United States Catholic Conference/National Conference of Catholic Bishops, and as a Trustee or Director of various organizations and institutions, including The Catholic University of America, where he earned a Master’s degree in clinical psychology. He may be one of America’s most honored persons, having earned a number military campaign ribbons, achievement awards from various universities and associations around the world, and most recently, the Congressional Medal of Honor from the 106^th Congress of the United States.

Since that memorable December day in 1945, when the Most Reverend Hugh L. Lamb, Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia, imposed hands upon the head of this new priest, John Joseph O’Connor’s life has been an amazing journey of finding "the best interest of the Church universal and of the Church in the United States." Returning last month from Rome where he visited Pope John Paul II, His Eminence noted the special love radiating from the Holy Father, observing that "one could not but be deeply moved." For so many people, Catholic and non-Catholic alike, the same words can be spoken about Cardinal O’Connor. Although this last year has been marked by illness, his courage in the face of pain will remain a shining example of acceptance of the Cross of Christ to whom he dedicated the whole of his life.

In recognition of his zeal for principle, his compassion and love for all persons, his proclamation of the Gospel of Life, and his unique drive, energy and commitment to the Church of Christ, summarized in his armorial motto, "There can be no love without justice," The Catholic University of America is proud to confer upon His Eminence, John Joseph Cardinal O’Connor, the degree, Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa.

Conferred by
The Very Reverend David M. O’Connell, C.M., President
in the presence of
His Eminence, Bernard Cardinal Law
Chairman, Board of Trustees
New York City
March 25, 2000

Revised: June 3, 1999

All contents copyright © 1999.
The Catholic University of America,
Office of Public Affairs.