His Eminence John Cardinal O'Connor

(1920-2000)

Founding Ecclesiastical Advisor

"I have intensively studied Mary's program  not only its philosophy, but its practical operation  and I consider it to be of the highest moral caliber and at the same time structurally sound.  In my judgment, The Nurturing Network could become a premier national alternative to the tragedy of abortion.  I applaud Mary Cunningham Agee and her wonderful staff of employees and volunteers who sacrifice so much in the service of women, children and families."

His Eminence John Cardinal O'Connor was a native of Philadelphia, where he was ordained in 1945 to the Roman Catholic priesthood. He had studied at a number of colleges and universities and held advanced degrees in Ethics, Clinical Psychology and Political Theory.

After teaching and parish work in Philadelphia, he entered service as a chaplain with the United States Navy and Marine Corps, serving for 27 years. Upon leaving military service, he was ordained a bishop for the armed forces of the United States by Pope John Paul II in 1979. In 1983 he became Bishop of Scranton, Pennsylvania, and in 1984, Archbishop of New York. He was created a Cardinal in 1985.