You could add Hughes in there as well. Plus he was pretty impressive in his verbal distain for the catechism books in our Catholic high schools. The bishop from Fall River - George Coleman - he's pretty good too.
I think the laity is driving the abortion issue - you can't ignore tens of thousands of people who brave the cold and uncomfortable transportation/sleeping accomodations who are there in Washington as tangible evidence that there are many Catholics who oppose the culture of death (Terri Schiavo is another good example) - it forces the bishops to act. Another tip of the stocking hat to Mother Angelica and the good people at EWTN for providing full (and therefore honest) coverage of this event.
First by being a model for all Catholics and nonCatholics who believe in the Triune God. And then by presenting truth that will touch the hearts of those who respond to truth with their hearts and the minds of those who initially respond with their minds.
I have great hope that the outcome will be a diocese of Catholics who respond to God with their whole mind,and their whole heart and their whole soul,a light unto the world.
His speech on Respect for Life Sunday was a perfect example. He presented Natural Law exceptionally well.Sadly,there were not that many people there dispite the beautiful weather.I was disappoointed but not surprised that the pastors were unable or unwilling to support the event and get more of their people to welcome our new Bishop as well as to lend support for Respect for Life Sunday.
I heard that Archbishop Sheehan (temmporary diocesan Administratorof the Phoenix diocese)said something similar to what Archbishop Dolan said vis-a-vis the state of the Church in the area being even worse than the dismal situation he was told to expect.