Statement from Most Reverend Mario E. Dorsonville, Auxiliary Bishop of Washington, on the Holy Father’s Acceptance of His Eminence Cardinal Donald Wuerl’s Resignation as Archbishop of Washington

“In light of our Holy Father’s acceptance of Cardinal Wuerl’s resignation, I wish to recognize and thank His Eminence for his wonderful and generous work to promote, accompany, and support the diversity and multicultural spectrum of our Archdiocese. This work is rooted in his consistent referral to the Church in Washington as the Church of many faces and races, to embrace and accompany.

Through the years, I have had the privilege of witnessing the impact of Cardinal Wuerl’s work on the Archdiocese through Catholic Charities and the Spanish Catholic Center. The quality of services at the Spanish Catholic Center improved tremendously going from four dental chairs to twelve, opening of the new state of the art medical clinic in Maryland, increased training programs, and the expansion of the number of attorneys and paralegals focusing on immigration services.

Being aware of the difficult times that the immigrant community is experiencing, His Eminence’s participation in the Archdiocesan and Regional Encuentro was on target and a powerful witness. By giving example to the need of the Church to continue to walk with our children, youth, and families, His Eminence promoted the real sense of solidarity in the lives of people who are building our nation.

Lastly, but most importantly, being aware of the need to serve the immigrant community in their own language, His Eminence has endorsed and engaged conversations with regional bishops to promote a Spanish cultural immersion learning experience, to which twelve Archdiocesan priests have participated.  The program, beginning four years ago, has brought many fruitful outcomes for our own priest’s ability to serve and evangelize our own community.

These examples are only a few of the many reasons why the multicultural immigrant groups of the Archdiocese are very grateful to Cardinal Wuerl for his presence, his love, and commitment to serve the poor and to foster the real mission of implementing the enculturation of the Gospel into their lives.”

###