I served as Cardinal Bevilacqua’s secretary from June 1999 until October 2003. Many different things struck me about him; first of all his commitment to the Church, especially the proclamation of the faith. He was very committed to the defense of all human life, especially the unborn and he was also concerned for immigrants. I’m sure, being the son of immigrants and knowing their experiences, motivated him to raise the concern of the Church for this group.

He was very pastoral as a bishop and loved to visit parishes and schools and be among the people; he seemed to draw energy from it. He had boundless energy and never seemed to slow down until he retired.