Following the March 11, 2025 installation Mass of Cardinal Robert W. McElroy as the eighth archbishop of Washington, attendees gathered in the lower level of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception for a “meet and greet” with the new archbishop.
The line of well-wishers stretched the length of the basilica’s lower level, moving steadily through the simple, quiet space as attendees waited patiently for the opportunity to greet Cardinal McElroy. Many shared reflections on the cardinal’s homily and what his message of hope and renewal means for the future of The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington.
In his homily, Cardinal McElroy noted how Pope Francis describes the Church as a “field hospital,” emphasizing that all are wounded and in need of Christ’s mercy and healing.
Emanuelle and Patricia Contini, members of St. Thomas More Parish in Washington, D.C., and members of the Neocatechumenal Way – a movement focused on deepening faith through catechesis and community – said this message resonated with them. They reflected on the importance of reaching out to those who feel disconnected from faith, emphasizing the Church’s role in offering healing and mercy to those most in need. Emanuelle Contini expressed his belief that, “This is a way to connect with the ‘lost sheep,’ those who are experiencing existential poverty.”
As he entered the basilica’s lower level, Cardinal McElroy was greeted by members of the St. Thomas More community singing and playing music. Contini stopped to greet Cardinal McElroy, welcoming him to Washington, and the cardinal said, “God bless you all and what you are doing.”
Zachery Keith, who works in evangelization and catechesis at the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, described the cardinal’s message as “really inspiring.” He was particularly moved by the homily’s encouragement that “hope is the virtue that sustains us.”
Tanya Dorhout and Orest Zuk, who traveled together from New York City to attend the Solemn Mass of Installation, shared their reflections on the cardinal’s message. Dorhout said she was “absolutely inspired by his message of hope,” referencing the cardinal’s emphasis on being “pilgrims of hope in a wounded world.”
Zuk, a longtime friend of Cardinal McElroy from his Harvard College days, recalled, “He had a passion to lead, (and) was super smart. His sense of humor is direct, yet he balances it with a seriousness and dedication that have defined his approach to leadership.” Zuk offered his “best of support” to the cardinal, confident that “his leadership will be marked by wisdom and compassion.”
Edmundo Medel, a first-year theology student at Redemptoris Mater Seminary in Hyattsville, Maryland, and a member of Our Lady Help of Christians Parish in Waldorf, expressed his hopes for the future. “As a local from our community, I am very grateful to our new archbishop and look forward to how he will work to incorporate all of the diverse people in the archdiocese,” he said.
Sarabeth DeiManti, a mother of nine who attends St. Catherine Labouré Parish in Wheaton, Maryland, attended the “meet and greet” with two of her daughters, including Lourdes DeiManti. Despite being tired from the excitement of the Mass, Lourdes, a first grader at Brookewood School in Kensington, Maryland, shared her experience. She smiled and said, “Bringing chocolates to the cardinal was my favorite part of the day.” When asked about her favorite part of school, Lourdes responded, “My art teacher, Mrs. Kearns.”
Among those waiting to greet the cardinal were members of the Secular Institute of the Crusaders of Mary in Washington, D.C. Ana Román reflected, “His message of hope offers a moment of growth for everyone [in the archdiocese].” Fellow member Elena Martín appreciated the cardinal’s call to keep faith at the center of life. “I liked very much how he invites us to put our eyes on God. It was very encouraging to hear this message about how God guides us,” she said.
Lucy Lu, who took her temporary vows last November, shared how she was moved by Cardinal McElroy’s reference to the Chilean miners’ rescue and their steadfast faith in God was inspiring.
Throughout the “meet and greet,” participants reflected on themes from Cardinal McElroy’s homily. Many referenced the three markers of Christian hope he outlined: the foundation of hope rooted in the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, the call to embrace God’s mercy and extend it to others, and the challenge to view the world through God’s vision, recognizing the dignity and worth of every person.
