The Sisters, Home Visitors of Mary rejoice in the appointment of Archbishop Wilton Gregory. Washington, D.C., as a new Cardinal by Pope Francis on October 25.  Cardinal Gregory has been actively engaged in the struggle, the life of the church, for many years.  His appointment represents a joyous recognition of his vision, his character and his leadership.

Pope Francis appoints first Black American cardinal

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Letter from Sisters, Home Visitors of Mary:

Dear Bishop Gregory, It is with profound gratitude and joy that the Sisters, Home Visitors of Mary congratulate you on your elevation to the office of cardinal.  These are indeed trying times in which your elevation is made, but in times like these the Holy Spirit raises up the elect of God’s own heart to lead His people.  It is not a little thing that your elevation comes in a time and place in history when our world is in need of profound healing .  Be assured of our prayerful support and prayers.

Sr. Elizabeth Harris, HVM.

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Letter from The Leadership Conference of Women Religious:

The Leadership Conference of Women Religious rejoices over the news of the appointment of Archbishop Wilton Gregory as a cardinal in the Catholic Church. Over the years we have been grateful to Archbishop Gregory’s leadership within the church where he has not only been a strong pastoral presence, but also a fearless outspoken critic of injustice. His public stances on many critical matters such as the repair of the US immigration system, race relations, climate change, sexual abuse within the church, LGBTQ matters, and much more reveal his deep integrity and courage.

In making this historic appointment of the first African-American cardinal, Pope Francis is clearly giving a message about the importance of assuring racial diversity at all levels of society and within the church. We are pleased that the African-American voice will be represented in this important decision-making body.

As an organization headquartered in the Washington archdiocese, we are especially pleased to have the opportunity to work closely with Archbishop Gregory. We look forward to this continuing relationship and congratulate him on this important recognition of his gifts and abilities as an outstanding leader.

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