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Cardinal Law's resignation statement

12/14/2002

Following is a statement by Cardinal Bernard F. Law on his resignation as archbishop of Boston released by the Vatican:

I am profoundly grateful to the Holy Father for having accepted my request to resign as archbishop of Boston. This request was motivated by a desire to do what is best for the Archdiocese.

It is my fervent prayer that this action may help the Archdiocese of Boston to experience the healing, reconciliation, and unity which are so desperately needed.

To all those who have suffered from my shortcomings and mistakes I both apologize and from them beg forgiveness.

To the bishops, priests, deacons, religious, and laity with whom I have worked in our efforts to fulfill the church's mission, I express my deep gratitude. My gratitude extends as well to so many others with whom I have been associated in seeking to serve the common good: these include those from the ecumenical, Jewish, and wider interreligious communities as well as public officials and others in civil society. It has been both a blessing and a privilege to serve as archbishop of Boston.

The particular circumstances of this time suggest a quiet departure. Please keep me in your prayers, even as I will continue to hold all the people within the Archdiocese of Boston in my heart.

This story ran on page A21 of the Boston Globe on 12/14/2002.
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