Letter to Cardinal Elect Joseph Tobin
Dear Cardinal-Elect Tobin,
Then-General Superior Sister Denise Wilkinson with then-Archbishop Joseph Tobin during his visit to Saint Mary-of-the-Woods on Aug. 19, 2014.
The bells of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods were certainly ringing out when we learned the news that Pope Francis had selected you as one of the seventeen new cardinals. On behalf of the Sisters of Providence and Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College, we offer you our heartfelt congratulations and our promise of prayer.
Given that the eighth American Saint – our beloved Saint Mother Theodore Guerin – came from the Archdiocese of Indianapolis, it seems only right and just that the archdiocese would have its first cardinal. We cannot think of a better choice than you, our brother Joseph, to provide vision and leadership for our church.
Your leadership throughout your religious life, but certainly since you have to the Archdiocese of Indianapolis, has been characterized by your clear sense of mission and your warm and supportive presence. We have found in you an advocate for Catholic higher education, as well as religious life.
We have been touched by your pastoral care for the men of the Terre Haute Federal Prison and for the personal commitment you have made to pray with and for them. We are especially grateful for the stance you took to support the entry of Syrian refugees into the archdiocese, and we have made a donation to Catholic Relief Services to honor both your elevation as cardinal and your commitment to homeless refugees.
Most of all we are grateful that you will continue as the Archbishop of Indianapolis. Please know of our desire to journey with you to advance God’s reign, to bring God’s loving care to all those in need.
Lovingly in Providence,
Sister Dawn Tomaszewski, SP Dottie King, Ph.D.
General Superior – Sisters of Providence President – Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College
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So well said, Dawn and Dottie! The Congregation and the College are very blessed to have Cardinal-Elect Tobin (or as he would say, “Joe Tobin”) to have been given this honor and this responsibility. I hope and do believe that Bishop de la Hailandiére is resting peacefully, and that Saint Mother Theodore Guérin is smiling broadly.
Dawn, Your letter has captured what my heart would like to say to Cardinal-elect Joe Tobin. Thank you for speaking so clearly for all of us.
Beautiful sentiment and beautifully expressed. Thank you!
Dawn, thanks for this beautiful letter to Cardinal-elect Tobin. His presence in the archdiocese has been a blessing! He certainly has reached out to all the deaneries in multiple ways. I especially appreciate his numerous visits to the TH prison. The population there is very large and, I believe, he has been to each of the sections. He follows in the footsteps of Pope Francis. God bless both of them!
S. Rita Clare Gerardot