Metro

Thousands pay tribute to Cardinal Egan at funeral Mass

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Published March 10, 2015, 5:03 p.m. ET
Cardinal Edward Egan smiles to the crowd gathered outside St. Patrick's Cathedral after celebrating his final Easter mass as archbishop of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York April 12, 2009.
Cardinal Edward Egan smiles to the crowd gathered outside St. Patrick's Cathedral after celebrating his final Easter mass as archbishop of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York April 12, 2009. Getty Images

He hated eulogies, but Edward Cardinal Egan got a rousing one Tuesday as a parade of politicians and dignitaries joined New York’s faithful to say goodbye to the city’s former archbishop.

Led by Egan’s successor, Timothy Cardinal Dolan, mourners at St. Patrick’s Cathedral hailed Egan as a loving shepherd who comforted the afflicted, especially in the days and months after the 9/11 terror attacks.

Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Archbishop of New York, blesses a casket containing the remains of the the late Cardinal Edward Egan upon arrival at St. Patrick’s Cathedral on March 9.Reuters

In his homily, Dolan related Egan’s disdain for eulogies, despite delivering so many for cops and firefighters killed on 9/11.

“Oh, a eulogy would be so easy and natural,” Dolan told a crowded cathedral that included Gov. Cuomo, Mayor de Blasio and former mayors Michael Bloomberg, Rudy Giuliani and David Dinkins.

“But, he’d have none of it, and simply want us to confess our faith in God, rather than our gratitude to him, our departed cardinal.”

Egan, 82, died last Tuesday after suffering a heart attack while dining in his Manhattan residence.

Officials stand around the body of Cardinal Edward Egan at a public viewing in St. Patrick’s Cathedral.Brigitte Stelzer

He served as New York’s ninth archbishop for nine years and presided over a period during which child sex-abuse scandals involving priests came to light and budget shortfalls forced him to close parishes.

Egan retired in 2009, and served as a archbishop emeritus until his death.

Members of the clergy touch the casket of Cardinal Edward Egan as they process into St. Patrick’s Cathedral during a funeral mass.Chad Rachman

Dolan’s sendoff followed a grand procession that started outside along Fifth Avenue, and included five cardinals, 35 bishops and scores of white-robed priests.

Egan, who was a classically trained pianist, was serenaded by Metropolitan Opera soloists Matthew Polenzani and Renee Fleming, whose rendition of Franz Schubert’s “Ave Maria” moved her accompanist to tears.

Mayor Bill de Blasio (left) stands with former mayors (from second left to right) Michael Bloomberg, Rudy Giuliani and David Dinkens during the funeral of the late Cardinal Edward Egan.Reuters

“I just started working at the cathedral in January,” said organist Michael Hey, St. Patrick’s assistant director of music. “Cardinal Egan was such a lover of music. He cared about opera. It was very important.”

George Marlin, 62, who was researching a biography of Egan, called him a “work horse.”

“He worked from six in the morning to midnight,” Marlin said. “He made sure he was on top of all things happening in the parishes, taking care of the people.”

“He’s got a reputation for being a harsh cardinal during harsh times,” said Ben Umayen, 59, a personal chef who once cooked for Egan. “But I met him and he was the most outgoing, loving person.”

After the funeral, Egan was entombed in a crypt beneath the main altar at St. Patrick’s where his New York archbishop predecessors are laid to rest.