John McCloskey

"Providence spared me beyond my expectations. In regard to the dignities conferred on me personally, to which you so kindly allude, I can safely say that not one of these honors was ever sought by me. The progress of the Church referred to in the addresses is true, and so true that it is clearly the work of God and not of man."

"In the soul of Cardinal McCloskey, where Christian virtue had solid roots, they coexisted in a wonderful manner. In him were coupled the majesty of a prince, which inspired no fear, but exacted the reverence of all, with the simplicity and amiableness of a child. Well may we say of him that he was "Beloved of God and men.""