Who Do You Say I Am?

September 23, 2019
In this daily devotional aimed at an American Roman Catholic readership, Dolan (To Whom Shall We Go?), Archbishop of New York, educates and encourages readers to grow in (or return to) their Catholic faith. Topics include matters of Catholic theology, including apostolic succession and the seven sacraments; the liturgical calendar (Ash Wednesday, Easter); and spiritual practices such as praying the rosary, attending Sunday mass, and confession. Dolan also extols the virtues of Catholic saints and expounds on the church’s concern for the imprisoned, impoverished, and immigrants. Dolan takes unapologetically orthodox stances on issues such as birth control, abortion, and the sanctity of marriage, and celebrates the Catholic Church’s appreciation of women. For example, in one of numerous devotions focused on the Virgin Mary, Dolan emphasizes the essential role women have played throughout church history and offers an intriguing theological interpretation that speaks to contemporary concerns: “It is the Church that believes that the omnipotent God of the universe awaited the free consent of a woman before His plan of salvation could proceed.” Practicing Catholics and even those disillusioned by the church may find sustenance in Dolan’s forthright approach and enthusiastic espousal of Catholic identity and faith.