Source: NYDailyNews.com
We are Sirius/XM subscribers and one of the programs on The Catholic Channel that has become a weekly pleasure is A Conversation with the Archbishop (now Cardinal-designate Dolan) when New York Archbishop Timothy Dolan discusses a variety of topics and significant issues in the Church.
Much of the banter between Cardinal-designate Dolan and program host Fr. Dave Dwyer revolves around food — both men experience great joy through consuming food. And we aren’t talking salmon, spinach salad, and mineral water. We are talking Whataburgers, fries, and cold brews. I also tend to inhale these types of foods more than is good for me. And I also know how hard it can be to change your dietary habits. So when I read the story in the New York Daily News about Dolan working with a “weight-loss doctor” I thought, “This holy man of God is going to need our prayers on this goal!”
Weight-loss guru Dr. Howard Shapiro says he’s putting Dolan through “Red-Hat Boot Camp” — a reference to the red zucchetto, or skull cap, that cardinals wear. Dolan has dropped approximately 25 pounds since February 2011 with the goal to lose another eight to ten pounds prior to February 18 when he is elevated to cardinal.
Perhaps with NBA Hall-of-Famer and TNT analyst Charles Barkley hitting Weight Watchers, the outspoken Dolan is eager to avoid being dubbed the new “Round Mound of Sound”. Indeed, Dolan’s larger-than-life persona is nothing new. Legend has it that as Archbishop of Milwaukee he once proudly told Blessed Pope John Paul II, “The diocese is growing!” Apparently, the late pontiff responded with a bit of good-natured ribbing, “And so, it appears, is it’s bishop.”
What I was pleased to see printed in the article was Dolan’s following comment: “It’s actually about the biblical virtue of stewardship, taking good care of the gifts that the Lord has given us — in this case, my body and my health — so as to better serve Him and others.”
Thanks for that gentle reminder and example, Cardinal-designate Dolan. Many of us are walking the same walk. Godspeed on your journey!
Hat Tip to Son Rise Morning Show where we first heard the story.
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January 17th, 2012 
It was a great honor and blessing to meet His Excellency at World Youth Day in Madrid last August and witness his great love for the life that the Lord has given him. He certainly sets a good example by such joviality and I am encouraged that he is starting to set another example with which I too have struggled. The faithful not only hear what the priest teaches them from the altar and pulpit, but they also observe how he lives or fails to live the Gospel outside of the physical building that is the church.
Thanks for sharing, Andrew. Well said!
I think it’s awesome — and by making the Red Hat Boot Camp public – I appreciate Cardinal Dolan’s humility, and it also means we’re cheering for him to be successful.