Papa Benedetto Meeting & Blessing of Youth with Disabilities

As a part of his visit to St. Joseph Seminary at Yonkers, Papa Benedetto met with some youth that have mental & physical disabilities & their caregivers. John Cardinal O'Connor would have absolutely loved this event. The late Cardinal had a very special place in his heart for children with disabilities, mental & physical. I know from personal experience that this was true.

In the late 90's Cardinal O'Connor was here in DBQ to speak. I was privileged to be able to talk with him, albeit for a very brief time. Our conversation quickly turned toward those with mental disabilities. You could tell from not only what he said, but how he said it, that the disabled were close to his heart.

Sadly, Cardinal O'Connor died of a brain tumor in 2000. But somehow I suspect he was there, smiling, his heart full of joy at what he saw.

This meeting was more than symbolic. It visibly shows the innate value that every human life has from the moment of conception. A God given value that no human being can take away. & no amount of sophistry can deny.

A huge part of Cardinal O'Connor's patrimony was his efforts to defend life. This event was 1 of the best ways conceivable to honor it.