Catholic ReviewMARCH 2017 Inspiring the Archdiocese of Baltimore ‘Light of hope’ Cardinal Keeler, basilica restorer, interfaith leader, dies at 86 BY GEORGE P. MATYSEK JR. He was was named vice chancellor and
[email protected] then vicar general and auxiliary bishop of the Harrisburg Diocese. St. John Paul II ALL PHOTOS CR FILE appointed him bishop of Harrisburg Nov. 10, 1983, and archbishop of Baltimore ardinal William H. Keeler, 14th April 11, 1989. The pope elevated Cardi- archbishop of Baltimore, an inter- nal Keeler to the College of Cardinals in Cnational leader in Catholic-Jewish 1994. His episcopal motto was, “Do the relations and the driving force behind the work of an evangelist.” restoration of America’s first cathedral, Archbishop’s Annual Appeal. In 1997, died March 23 at his residence at St. Mar- Putting Baltimore on the map he launched a major capital campaign tin’s Home for the Aged in Catonsville. He Father Michael White, pastor of the known as Heritage of Hope that raised was 86. Church of the Nativity in Timonium and more than $137 million from more than Cardinal Keeler served as the spiritual his first priest-secretary in Baltimore, 39,000 gifts and pledges. shepherd of the Baltimore Archdiocese said Cardinal Keeler “put Baltimore on The cardinal also established the Part- from 1989 until his retirement in 2007. the map in the Catholic Church.” ners in Excellence program, which pro- Archbishop William E. Lori, one of Father White noted that in addition vides tuition scholarships for children Cardinal Keeler’s two successors, said to the papal visit, Cardinal Keeler hosted in inner-city Catholic schools.