By:Angela Marshall
Long Islanders describe, welcome new leader
Although Bishop William Murphy never stepped foot into Rockville Centre before the press conference announcing his appointment as the fourth bishop of the Diocese of Rockville Centre June 26, he is no stranger to some Long Islanders.
Bishop Murphy's name was high on a list submitted to Pope John Paul II by Catholic leaders on Long Island.
Retired Bishop John McGann had met the new leader several times, first in Rome and later at conferences in Boston. "I knew immediately that he would be a good fit," McGann said. "I was very happy for a number of reasons: One, his age is right; he's 61. He's healthy and he's had tremendous experience both in Rome and as the chief operating officer under Cardinal [Bernard] Law in Boston."
McGann also said Murphy has the right personality for the diocese. "He impressed me as a people person, intelligent with a rich background. So I don't think he can do anything but help us."
Many Long Island Catholics had trouble warming up to McGann's successor, James T. McHugh, who died last September. He was diagnosed with cancer before his installation as the third bishop of the diocese.
"Bishop McHugh was a shy person and his health prevented him from getting out to meet the people," McGann said.
Following McHugh's death, McGann said he prayed that the Pope would give Long Island a new bishop soon. After leading the diocese for more than 20 years, McGann could not rest easy until he knew that a suitable replacement had been found. He said he is glad the Pope saw fit to appoint such a strong man.
Outside St. Agnes Cathedral last week, parishioners echoed McGann's thoughts.
"I think a diocese of this size needs active leadership," said John Brull. "From what I've read about [Murphy], I think he'll do very well here on Long Island."
Hippolyte Weinum believes Murphy is the right man to head the diocese. "I'm happy to have a well-recognized and dedicated official in the church. I think he will provide good leadership and I'm encouraged by his life of priesthood," he said. "I look forward to his installation in September."
Others applauded Murphy's pro-life beliefs and his desire to forge a closer relationship with the Jewish population of Rockville Centre.
As for McGann's place in the diocese's future, he said it will be in the background as a very definitely retired bishop. However, he will help Murphy in any way possible if asked.
Tim Mulhearn, president of the United New Yorkers for Choice in Education, had a different relationship with Bishop Murphy. He was the new bishop's student.
Mulhearn studied under Murphy at Pope John XIII National Seminary in Weston, Mass., and called him an "outstanding teacher."
The class was Catholic Social Teaching and Mulhearn believes that many of the issues they discussed in class are central to the bishop's beliefs. Mulhearn said Murphy is very committed to criminal justice and that he has a very broad interpretation to the term. Among the issues he has heard the bishop speak out about are his dedication to the poor, the unborn, health care and Catholic education.
Mulhearn said he believes Murphy is a combination of the best of Long Island's last two bishops. "Both Bishop McGann and Bishop McHugh each had their own style, own characteristics. And I think Bishop Murphy combines a lot of the outgoing, friendly qualities that Bishop McGann has," he said. "But at the same time he's very much the scholar [like McHugh]."
Rev. Msgr. John Alesandro, diocesan administrator, also has a long history with Bishop Murphy. The two studied together at the North American College in Rome. Alesandro could not be reached for comment late last week because he was in Boston meeting with Murphy.
